Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
Shanghai industrial expo showcases robots and AI for manufacturing
The 26th China International Industry Fair opened in Shanghai on October 12 and runs through October 16.
More than 3,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions are taking part.
The fair is highlighting technologies such as robots, industrial AI and digital twins.
One company presented an upgraded wheeled humanoid robot that can carry loads of up to 50 kilograms and handle different kinds of boxes.
This is intended to address a problem with traditional factory robots, which may need to be reset when tasks or locations change.
Other exhibitors showed AI agents that can help with tasks such as pricing, engineering and quality checks, amid a shortage of experienced industrial workers.
China has built more than 56,000 basic-level smart factories, alongside thousands at higher levels.
The fair’s displays reflect efforts to make manufacturing more adaptable as factory work becomes more complex.
The 26th China International Industry Fair is being held in Shanghai from October 12 to 16, with more than 3,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions.
The fair focuses on embodied intelligence, industrial large models and digital twins, showcasing changes in intelligent manufacturing.
A 50-kilogram-load upgraded version of a wheeled humanoid robot was unveiled at the fair.
Exhibitors are also showing AI agents for industrial decisions and AI tools to help turn ideas into products.
China has built more than 56,000 basic-level intelligent factories, according to figures cited in the report.
- Who
- More than 3,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions are taking part, including robotics and industrial technology companies.
- What
- The 26th China International Industry Fair is showcasing robots, AI and other technologies for manufacturing.
- When
- October 12 to 16, 2026.
- Where
- Shanghai, China.
- Why
- The fair focuses on developments in intelligent manufacturing, including embodied intelligence, industrial large models and digital twins.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Traditional automated production lines are standardized, but future industrial scenarios will become increasingly complex and less standardized, meaning factories' structured production environments are gradually evolving into unstructured ones, and robots will need to master more skills.
These agents are not intended to replace experienced industrial workers, but to fill a talent gap.
A JAKA Robotics wheeled humanoid robot entered the smart headlight factory of a global auto-parts company.
A wheeled humanoid robot demonstrated how it could move material boxes in Shanghai.
The 26th China International Industry Fair opened in Shanghai and was scheduled to run through October 16.
- Exhibitors
- More than 3,200 from 24 countries and regions
- Exhibition area
- 310,000 square metres
- Fair dates
- October 12–16, 2026
- Robot upgrade
- Wheeled humanoid robot designed for a 50-kilogram load
- First-showcase exhibits
- Nearly 300
- Intelligent factories in China
- More than 56,000 basic-level, 9,000 advanced-level and 500 exemplary-level factories; 15 leading-level factories
Sources
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