The Appliance & Electronics World Expo 2026 (AWE2026) wrapped up on March 15 after four energetic days, uniting more than 1,200 companies and innovators from around the globe to present the latest in AI-driven smart living. Early data from the organizers indicates that attendance rose by over 30% compared to last year, cementing its status as the world’s largest consumer technology exhibition.

Held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre, the main venue covered more than 140,000 square meters and attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to explore interactive experiences. A second venue at the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone offered a more convenient entry process for international guests, including pre-registration and visa-free access, allowing them to participate immediately upon arrival.

Under the theme “Smart AI, Smarter Future,” the event highlighted how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern lifestyles. Major exhibitors such as Haier and Dreame dominated with expansive displays exceeding 10,000 square meters each. Haier introduced its enhanced AI Eye 2.0 and debuted the Seeker series of L4 intelligent appliances, including three types of household service robots designed for cleaning, companionship, and assistance. Dreame showcased a broad ecosystem spanning smart home devices, mobile technology, transportation, aerospace, energy systems, and computing, featuring innovations like a clothes-folding robot, its in-house “Chixiao 01” processor, and the Nebula NEXT 01X.

In the smart home category, leading brands including Haier, Huawei, Hisense, Siemens, and Panasonic demonstrated tightly integrated AI solutions, reflecting a shift from reactive appliances to proactive, service-oriented systems.

Home service robotics emerged as a key focus area, with companies such as Haier, Hisense, TCL, Fotile, Roborock, MOVA, Ecovacs, and Dreame unveiling a wide range of innovations—from companion robots and automated kitchens to mobile and even airborne cleaning devices—pushing the boundaries of hands-free living.

Embodied AI also drew significant attention. Firms like Unitree, Agibot, MagicLab, Tesla, DEEP Robotics, ULS Robotics, Tars, Zeroth, and Genisom AI presented robots capable of performing intricate tasks such as boxing, embroidery, and even opening bottles, highlighting rapid progress in sensing and motion technologies.

In the smart devices segment, brands including Huawei, Dreame, BOE, Aridge, BYD, Tesla, Vertaxi, NAVEE, Segway-Ninebot, and Sky Motor revealed next-generation solutions such as electric vehicles, water-based aircraft, flying cars, and intelligent two-wheelers. At the same time, companies like Qwen, XREAL, Lenovo, ZTE, Insta360, TCL RayNeo, Robam, Shokz, Rokid, and Orka Tech introduced cutting-edge AI-powered gadgets ranging from smart glasses and smartphones to PCs, earbuds, and action cameras.

Beyond consumer products, the expo also highlighted advancements in semiconductors and computing from Intel, Lisuan Tech, MiniMax, Dreame, Ugreen, and Moore Threads. Display technology breakthroughs were presented by Sony, Hisense, TCL, LG, Changhong, and Skyworth, while innovations in brain-computer interfaces from BrainCo, Stonehill, and others demonstrated progress in human-machine integration.

Dubbed the “year of robotics,” 2026 began with the impressive showcase at AWE2026, underscoring how close the future has become. With nearly 10,000 intelligent products transitioning from exhibition halls into everyday use and human-machine interaction becoming increasingly seamless, the event signals not just innovation, but the beginning of a transformative era defined by closer collaboration between humans and technology.