The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance kicked off in Shanghai on July 17 and will run through July 20.

Themed "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the event brought together over 1,100 companies showcasing more than 3,000 exhibits. These included over 300 global debuts, ranging from the world's first AI-agent smartphone and multi-series humanoid robots to domestically developed AI computing chips.

Embodied AI and AI computing power emerged as the two core technology tracks at this year's conference. Bionic humanoid service robots, general-purpose service robots and industrial robotic arms demonstrated their hardcore capabilities at the booths. Beyond the popular dancing robots on display, humanoid robots were also seen performing practical industrial tasks. 

A "factory floor demonstration zone" was set up this year to replicate, at a 1:1 scale, real-world manufacturing environments where robots carry out actual production-line work.

In addition, a shape-shifting robot capable of switching between humanoid and quadruped forms was also unveiled, designed to adapt to scenarios such as factory inspection, outdoor operations and public services. 

Exhibitors said they hoped to leverage the conference as a platform to connect with upstream and downstream industry partners and strengthen collaborative innovation across the sector.

Indigenously developed AI computing chips provide foundational support for intelligent devices. At the booth of Shanghai Dongfang Suanxin Technology Co., Ltd., a bold banner reading "14nm ≈ 4nm" caught visitors' attention. The DF1000, the world's first software-defined, near-memory-computing 3D AI chip, made its global debut and drew large crowds.

A company representative stated that the chip overcomes major bottlenecks in high-end computing. By reducing dependence on advanced manufacturing processes and tackling memory limitations, it charts a new course for independent innovation without relying on cutting-edge fabrication nodes.

A wide range of computing infrastructure companies also showcased their flagship products. Turing Quantum, a leader in photonic quantum computing based in Shanghai, launched the industry's first quantum-classical hybrid agent platform, QAgent. 

Although quantum computing holds promise as a next-generation computing paradigm, its integration into the real economy has long been hindered by high barriers to use, long engineering cycles, and difficulty in identifying practical applications. The company said QAgent was specifically developed to address these bottlenecks.

As a flagship event in the global AI landscape, this year's conference focused on three major directions: international cooperation, technological innovation and industrial commercialization, bringing together global expertise to chart a safe and sustainable path for AI development. 

Xu Li, chairman and CEO of SenseTime, said the conference had reinforced the company's commitment to advancing inclusive AI development through open collaboration.

In the coming period, SenseTime will promote mature technological solutions, products and talent development programs worldwide, ensuring that AI continues to empower industries and benefit all of humanity, Xu said.