China Takes the Lead in Applying AI to Everything from Automobiles to Garden Fountains

Chinese AI Innovations Take Center Stage at CES

During this year's CES in Las Vegas, the spotlight was not only on keynote presentations and new product launches, but also on a significant shift in global technology: Chinese companies are swiftly integrating artificial intelligence into a diverse array of everyday products. This marks a new phase in the technological competition between the US and China, moving beyond software like chatbots and image generators to tangible items such as robots, vehicles, and consumer electronics.

Chinese firms made a strong impression at the event, unveiling inventive AI-powered gadgets. Glyde, a startup, introduced a smart hair clipper designed to deliver flawless fades without the need for a barber. Another company showcased an AI bird feeder capable of capturing close-up images of birds. SwitchBot, hailing from Shenzhen, presented the Kata stress toy—a plush device with moving arms that can detect and respond to the user's emotions, expressing joy, sadness, or even jealousy.

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Not all the innovations were playful. SZ DJI Technology Co., a global leader in consumer drones and a prominent Shenzhen tech name, presented its newest AI-driven drones. Appotronics Corp. introduced devices that merge AI with advanced laser display technology, applying these solutions to both automotive products and beauty devices aimed at addressing hair loss.

The atmosphere at CES echoed the excitement of previous years when smart versions of everyday items, like toothbrushes, dominated the show. This year, China demonstrated its agility and manufacturing prowess by showcasing AI-powered glasses, autonomous cleaning robots, and robotic assistants for the elderly—highlighting the country's efforts to address a wide range of challenges with physical AI.

“Chinese companies are making rapid strides in developing AI products you can touch and use,” said Tigress Li, co-founder of Shanghai-based BreakReal, which developed an AI-powered bar robot. “This momentum comes from a strong integration of hardware and software throughout the manufacturing supply chain.”

Yi Li, CEO and founder of Appotronics, emphasized that Chinese firms have mastered the art of quickly turning ideas into market-ready products. He noted that Shenzhen’s robust supply chains for components, displays, batteries, and chips enable companies to iterate and improve products at a speed that few Western competitors can match.

Growth and Global Competition in AI Hardware

Market research from Beijing Runto Technology predicts that China’s AI hardware sector—which includes consumer electronics and industrial robots, but excludes smartphones and automobiles—will expand by 18% annually through 2030, growing from $153 billion in 2025.

American companies also made their presence felt at CES. Caterpillar Inc. introduced an AI assistant designed to support farmers and construction workers, a move that contributed to a surge in its stock price. General Electric Co. revealed a refrigerator equipped with barcode scanning and a live camera to help manage food inventory and reduce waste. Lego Group, the Danish toy giant, launched a new set of interactive bricks featuring built-in processors, sensors, and speakers.

Among the most captivating AI hardware on display were humanoid and four-legged robots from Chinese companies like Unitree Robotics and Engine AI, which demonstrated both human-like interactions and industrial capabilities.

One of the most intriguing innovations came from Lepro, a Chinese startup that unveiled a desktop device with an 8-inch curved OLED screen hosting an AI “companion” named Ami. The device uses dual front cameras to track eye movement and a rear camera to anchor the avatar in the user’s environment, creating a lifelike presence. Similarly, Razer Inc. introduced Project Ava, a holographic chatbot avatar housed inside a glass tube.

While many of these products may remain niche or crowdfunded novelties, CES made it clear that China’s vast electronics ecosystem is a powerful force in the global AI hardware race.

“The nation that excels in creating AI products people can physically use, enjoy, or interact with could ultimately lead in computational power,” said Neil Shah, co-founder of Counterpoint Research, who attended CES for the fifteenth time this year.

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