The Shanghai International Embodied Intelligence Expo (CIEI 2026) kicked off on Thursday at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The event, running until Saturday, is jointly hosted by the China Association for Mechatronics Technology and Application (CAMETA) and Shanghai International Exhibition (Group) Co., Ltd. With the participation of nearly 200 industry leaders like Unitree, Leju Robotics, and SIASUN, the expo has drawn over 15,000 visitors.
Covering the entire embodied intelligence industry spectrum, from perception and decision-making systems to battery energy storage and automotive connectivity, the expo also showcases application scenario case studies. A significant highlight was the release of the 2026 China Embodied Intelligence Industry Development Report during the opening ceremony. The report underscores that embodied intelligence integrates artificial intelligence and robotics, empowering machines to sense, learn, make decisions, and operate in the physical world.
China has emerged as a key player in the global embodied intelligence industry, leveraging its robust manufacturing supply chain, diverse application opportunities, and supportive policies. The expo features exhibitors from various industrial clusters such as Suzhou, Shenzhen, and Zibo, spotlighting the regional industrial prowess. Qu Daokui, CAMETA’s president, emphasized that embodied intelligence represents a transformative shift for AI, transitioning from theoretical knowledge to practical implementation, driving the evolution of new manufacturing capabilities.
To propel technological advancements and enhance global competitiveness, Qu underscored the importance of fostering deeper industry collaboration to overcome technical hurdles and develop cutting-edge products. Notable attendees at the expo include representatives from the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF), the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), and the China Electronics Enterprises Association (CEEA). Overseas robotics associations from Switzerland and Cameroon are also engaging in discussions on market access compliance, international safety standards, and application scenarios in Southeast Asia.
The expo also coincides with the 2026 National Embodied Intelligence Technology Application Competition, the 2026 Embodied Intelligence Robot Application Scenario Competition, and the National College Robot and Algorithm Competition. The convergence of robotics and AI is propelling growth in China’s embodied intelligence industry, with Hong Kong focusing on life sciences and embodied intelligence in its AI development initiatives. Additionally, a Chinese AI startup has achieved global recognition for its advancements in embodied intelligence technology.
About the Author
