Crowds pack AWE 2026 as cutting-edge tech and new products take center stage in Shanghai. [Photo/China Daily]

The Appliance and Electronics World Expo, a key stage for global tech giants and a beacon for future smart living, features over 1,200 leading companies worldwide this year. It is showcasing cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence applications and smart ecosystems while highlighting the latest digital and green advances in home appliances and consumer electronics.

With the theme "Smart AI, Smarter Future", this year's expo runs from Thursday to Sunday. As the primary exhibition venue, the Shanghai New International Expo Center houses 13 pavilions, covering an exhibition area of more than 140,000 square meters.

As China's largest exhibition for home appliances and consumer electronics, the event hosts a group of world-leading companies including Haier, Huawei, Hisense, TCL, LG, Sony, Bosch, Siemens and Gree.

Following the launch of AI Vision technology in 2025, which marked a step toward unmanned housework, Haier Smart Home makes an upgraded appearance this year at AWE. It brings together brands including Haier, Casarte, Leader and Fisher & Paykel to showcase its AI innovation achievements in technology, suites and scenarios.

Huawei is presenting its full-scenario products based on the Harmony operating system in a 3,200-sq-m exhibition area, demonstrating the innovative and immersive experiences of a future smart home.

Sony is showcasing a vibrant world with its well-known game, animation and movie characters. The Japanese company is highlighting the picture quality of its next-generation RGB LED TV to the public for the first time at the ongoing AWE.

An increasing number of brands are choosing to upgrade their strategies at AWE. Dreame, a high-tech brand, has reserved an entire pavilion with eight booths, covering smart vehicles, smartphones, home appliances, aerospace, energy, chips and computing power, to demonstrate its all-scenario smart ecosystem and future tech layout.

AWE 2026 also gathers a group of smart mobility companies as the sector is transforming from a transportation tool to a lifestyle experience space that integrates technology and emotional value.

US electric vehicle maker Tesla is showcasing its humanoid robot and full lineup of EVs, including the Cybertruck. China's largest new energy vehicle maker, BYD, is displaying models under its Denza and Fangchengbao brands, as well as its fast-charging technology, driving assistance system and car-home connectivity system.

In addition, Skydream, Segway-Ninebot and Sky Motor are making their first appearances at AWE with smart new energy caravans, scooters and karts.

This year's expo has set up an innovative technology zone for the first time, bringing tech enterprises with huge potential and vision. Unitree and MagicLab are presenting the same robots shown at the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

Meanwhile, AI hardware enterprises including Insta360, Ugreen and Qianwen are displaying products such as panoramic cameras, storage, AI glasses and headphones, presenting the deployment and application of AI in imaging products, storage hardware and wearable devices.

To bring the latest innovations to everyone, AWE 2026 goes beyond traditional exhibition displays, creating an immersive tech carnival where visitors can experience, enjoy and shop.

This year, the AWE organizing committee has again partnered with JD, Tmall, Douyin, Suning and other major shopping platforms to launch the AWE Shopping Festival, offering subsidies and exclusive benefits to consumers.

Celebrities and influencers from home and abroad are visiting the exhibition. Through livestreams, short videos and long-form videos, they are providing an immersive experience of AWE 2026, enabling viewers to understand the latest technologies and products in a more intuitive way.

For the first time, the coffee lifestyle festival and kitchen appliance & gourmet festival are being held at AWE this year. Through interactive experiences, cutting-edge tech becomes tangible and tasteful, adding a warm touch to the tech fest.

The highly anticipated AWE Livestream Night will be held on Thursday and Friday, with hundreds of companies going live simultaneously to boost brand visibility.

The expo is also hosting several high-level forums, engaging in in-depth discussions on topics such as AI empowerment, channel transformation and industry collaboration. The Home Service Robot Industry Development Forum and the Inaugural Meeting of the Home Service Robot Committee, held on Thursday, are among the most strategically significant events at this year's AWE.