An industrial cargo drone is displayed at the 2026 China International Consumer Electronics Expo in Qingdao. [Photo/VCG]

The 2026 China International Consumer Electronics Expo concluded in Qingdao on Sept 6, showcasing how artificial intelligence is reshaping consumer electronics and accelerating integration across smart homes, healthcare, mobility and advanced manufacturing. 

Held under the theme "AI Leads, Intelligence Inspires the Future", the expo covered 60,000 square meters and attracted nearly 50,000 visitors. More than 870 companies participated in exhibitions, industry exchanges and business matchmaking, while over 30 new products, technologies and applications were unveiled.

AI featured prominently throughout the event. Haier presented connected smart-home scenarios and an autonomous cooking robot, while Hisense debuted an AI-powered home operating system and companion robots. The embodied intelligence section brought together humanoid and quadruped robots, robotic arms, brain-computer interfaces, and AR and VR devices.

The expo also introduced a smart healthcare and eldercare zone for the first time, featuring AI-powered exoskeletons, rehabilitation robots and intelligent health-management solutions. A new section for specialized and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises gave component makers and technology suppliers greater visibility within the broader industrial chain.

International participation was another highlight. More than 80 buyers from nearly 30 countries, including Mexico, Brazil, Russia and South Korea, attended the event, seeking cooperation in fields such as smart-home systems, robotics, new-energy appliances and intelligent mobility.

With stronger supply-chain matchmaking and new online business services, the expo is evolving beyond a product showcase into a platform connecting innovation, manufacturing and global markets.