World Intelligence Expo 2026 Opens In Tianjin With Focus On AI Innovation
The World Intelligence Expo 2026 opened on Thursday in Tianjin, bringing together more than 700 exhibitors to showcase the latest developments in artificial intelligence, smart technologies and emerging industrial applications. The four-day event highlights China’s growing role in AI innovation and its efforts to accelerate the commercial adoption of intelligent technologies.
Co-hosted by the municipal governments of Tianjin and Chongqing, the expo is themed “Intelligence: Extensive Development Space, Sustainable Growth Driver.” The event spans 130,000 square metres and features seven dedicated exhibition zones covering embodied AI, core artificial intelligence technologies, the low-altitude economy and commercial space exploration.
More Than 700 Exhibitors Showcase New Technologies
The expo has attracted a wide range of participants, including Fortune Global 500 companies and leading domestic enterprises operating in the AI sector. Organisers expect the event to serve as a major platform for industry collaboration and technology exchange.
During the exhibition, more than 200 new products, technological achievements, research findings and industry reports will be unveiled. These announcements span several sectors, including embodied AI, intelligent connected vehicles, smart manufacturing, smart living solutions and the rapidly developing low-altitude economy.
According to Shen Maomao, Director of the Research Office of the Tianjin Municipal Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, many of the technologies on display are making either their domestic or global debut. He said the innovations demonstrate how intelligent technologies are increasingly moving from research laboratories into practical industrial and consumer applications.
Focus On Real-World AI Applications
A key theme of this year’s event is the transition of AI technologies from concept to commercial use. Organisers have placed particular emphasis on showcasing practical and replicable application scenarios that can support industrial growth and economic development.
In addition to traditional exhibitions, the expo is hosting a series of intelligent technology competitions designed to highlight advances in robotics, automation and other emerging fields. These activities aim to provide visitors with direct insight into the latest developments shaping the future of intelligent industries.
The event also features nearly 100 cutting-edge technological achievements in areas such as smart cities and smart living, reflecting broader efforts to integrate AI into everyday life and urban development.
International Collaboration And Industry Growth
The expo has attracted international participants eager to explore opportunities for cooperation. Speaking at the event, Jens de Buhr, Managing Director of JDB Holding, highlighted the importance of global communication and collaboration in advancing technological progress.
He noted that platforms such as the World Intelligence Expo allow industry leaders, researchers and businesses to exchange ideas and discuss future developments. He also emphasised the potential for deeper cooperation between Europe and China in technology-related fields.
China’s AI Industry Continues To Expand
China’s artificial intelligence sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years. Official data shows that the country’s core AI industry surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately 177 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025 and now includes more than 6,200 companies.
Liu Gang, Director of the Institute of Economics at Nankai University, said the expo serves as an important window into the latest technological advancements and practical solutions. He added that showcasing new technologies can accelerate innovation adoption by encouraging more businesses to embrace emerging tools and systems.
The event is expected to welcome more than 500 professional buyer delegations for networking and signing activities. Organisers hope these interactions will strengthen cooperation among governments, businesses, universities and research institutions while accelerating the transformation of technological breakthroughs into commercial products and real-world applications.
With inputs from Reuters