The 2026 Appliance and Electronics World Expo (AWE) in Shanghai has been showcasing how AI technologies are rapidly reshaping consumer electronics, with new home-based scenarios offering companies fresh opportunities for growth.
Across the exhibition halls, AI-powered products, from health-monitoring smart rings to refrigerators equipped with intelligent vision systems, have been drawing crowds at the event, taking place from Thursday to Sunday.
One standout innovation is a pair of AI cooking glasses. With a built-in intelligent system, the device can recognize ingredients, generate recipes, and provide step-by-step instructions to guide users through the entire cooking process. Based on its integrated home appliance ecosystem, it can even coordinate other kitchen appliances through voice commands.
"During the exhibition, many users have come to try our product, and the feedback has been very positive. The 'AI Plus' initiative was also highlighted during the 'two sessions' and in China's 15th Five-Year Plan. We believe this represents a great opportunity, and we are exploring how AI can empower more scenarios in the kitchen appliance industry," said glasses exhibitor Xu Yi.
The "two sessions" are a key event on China's political calendar, gathering thousands of lawmakers and political advisors from across the country in Beijing. In the recently wrapped sessions, the country's latest five year plan (2026-2030) was approved, laying a blueprint for the country's development.
At the exhibition, the innovations are backed by not only by renewed government support but by expanding consumer demand. Companies are targeting emerging sectors such as the senior citizen lifestyles and health, known as the "silver economy," as well as emotion-driven consumption and the pursuit of higher-quality lifestyles.
"The 15th Five-Year Plan calls for vigorously developing the silver economy and diversifying age-friendly products, which greatly encourages us. At this year's exhibition, we launched a series of AI technology products designed for the elderly, and they received quite positive feedback. This also strengthens our confidence to keep innovating and make technology more caring," said Wang Quanxi, an exhibitor.
The growing wave of AI innovation is also attracting international attention. At several booths, business cards quickly ran out as foreign visitors sought new partnerships.
AI-integrated products facilitate daily life scenarios at appliance fair in Shanghai
