Artificial intelligence (AI) applications have emerged as a major highlight at the 2026 Appliance and Electronics World Expo (AWE2026), a flagship expo for the Chinese industry, which kicked off in Shanghai on Thursday, underscoring the clear trend of AI’s comprehensive reshaping of the home appliance industry.
The expo features more than 1,200 enterprises from around the world showcasing their latest innovations with accelerated iteration in large-scale model technology and the deepening of industrial applications of AI.
A pair of cooking glasses displayed at the show provides real-time guidance for every step of the cooking process. Wearing them, a novice cook can become a culinary master.
A smart air conditioner, equipped with millimeter-wave radar and AI algorithms, breaks away from the traditional passive command execution model of home appliances. It achieves proactive sensing and response to user needs.
"The air conditioner has evolved from passively executing user commands to actively identifying whether anyone is home, their distance from the conditioner, and their exact location. It can then adjust airflow to follow or avoid people based on their needs, which is truly user-friendly," said exhibitor Li Chanjun.
At the event, cutting-edge AI technology integrated with home appliance scenarios unfolds in imaginative ways.
AI transcends passive command execution, proactively sensing user emotions through visual analysis and intent recognition to deliver caring services. This empowers AI to act as an intelligent butler, actively optimizing the home experience.
With the help of AI, the humanoid robot at the expo not only automatically identifies a scarf but deftly picks it up, places it into a rolling washing machine, and initiates the wash cycle.
Today, home service robots are evolving from passive command execution to proactive perception of user needs.
"Through continuous technological accumulation and relentless efforts, including enhancing the capabilities of our three universal robots for the housework-free purpose, upgrading smart appliances and specialized robots across various domains, we ultimately want them to handle all household chores, perceive people's needs and detect changes in their daily lives to proactively offer services," said Luo Nina, an exhibitor at the event.
AI applications reshape major appliance expo in Shanghai
AI applications reshape major appliance expo in Shanghai
