AWE2026五大观察，比AI 和机器人更吸睛的是“它”

From WeChat public account: GeekPark, by Xu Shan, editor Zheng Xuan. Original title: "AWE 2026 Five Observations — What’s More Eye-Catching Than AI and Robots? 'It'."If CES is the Spring Festival Gala of the tech world, then AWE is its lively Spring Festival fair — concepts and technologies that dazzled at CES must prove here that they can truly be accepted by consumers, who will spend real money to take them home.This year, the most eye-catching protagonist at this "fair" is somewhat unexpected: it’s not the robots that kept adding drama at the Spring Festival Gala, nor the AI hardware that’s all the rage in investment circles, but aircraft.Xpeng Aeroht drove its split-type flying car into the exhibition hall, Dreame, which aims to enter all fields, also unveiled a rotorcraft. The "car" overhead became the most attention-grabbing presence at AWE this year. Additionally, 3D printers and consumer exoskeletons have evolved from last year's new species into a fiercely competitive "small red ocean". There’s also the Eastern Hub Pavilion representing overseas expansion, where major model manufacturers and AI glasses have quietly gathered, eager to find a way for their products overseas.After two days of immersive power-walking totaling 30,000 steps, I’ve sorted out the five most noteworthy changes at AWE this year. Behind these changes lies a clear thread: as AI moves from dialogue models in chat boxes into reality, into home appliances, vehicles, and various smart wearables… China's tech industry is answering the most practical question in the most pragmatic way: What products will consumers actually pay for?

Observation 1: Flying Robots Become the New Attention-Grabbing Species

"Why is there a helicopter here? Isn't this a home appliance show?" As soon as I entered Hall W1, I overheard exclamations. "These days, even helicopters count as home products." Inside the AWE venues this year, the coolest things were no longer sleek cars, but various "flying robots". Common ones included different types of drones. At the Yingling booth, many visitors queued up to wear VR headsets and experience the Antigravity A1 flight from a first-person perspective.             "In 2025, shipments of complete drones may exceed 10 million units." On site, a person engaged in drone sales revealed that drone shipments have grown faster than expected in recent years. He told us that in 2025, the national production of civilian drones exceeded 7.6 million units, and the number of exported drones reached 4.95 million.             Besides drones, eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles) also appeared frequently and centrally in the venue's core view for the first time. Many eVTOL companies like Interstellar, Xpeng Aeroht, AutoFlight, and TCab Tech brought their latest generation aircraft model prototypes.             "Xpeng Aeroht is the largest flying car company in Asia." Like many, I was attracted by the "flying car" concept as soon as I entered the Xpeng Aeroht booth.             After explanations, we learned that a flying car doesn't mean "adding propellers to a car to make it fly", but rather creating an aircraft similar to a car that can transport multiple people. Xpeng Aeroht introduced the split-type flying car "Land Aircraft Carrier", mainly divided into two parts. One is the ground module built by Xpeng, resembling a stretched minivan. It features a three-axle, six-wheel design, supports all-wheel drive steering, and is equipped with an 800V extended-range platform, with a range exceeding 1000km. It also serves as a mobile helipad and charging station for the aircraft.             The other part is the electric vertical aircraft, requiring a civil aviation pilot license to operate. The aircraft adopts a six-rotor all-electric configuration, with a maximum speed of 360 km/h, supporting both manual and automatic modes. The aircraft can be folded and automatically stored in the ground module's rear compartment. "Currently, we have no directly comparable competitors in the Asian market," the booth staff told me. It's understood that Xpeng Aeroht has completed test flights for five "Land Aircraft Carriers" and plans to start trial operations in 2027.But the most surprising player was Dreame. This company, which started with robotic vacuum cleaners, continued its bold style from the Spring Festival Gala and directly booked an entire hall this year. From flights to the future, to helicopters, and satellite plans, Dreame's investment in the air economy was widely discussed.This year, Dreame’s subsidiary Dreampany Sky unveiled the Dreame tilt-rotor aircraft and the manned eVTOL DREAM FLY. According to on-site introductions, this manned aircraft can reduce cruising noise to 45 dB. Its power system adopts redundant design, allowing safe landing via gliding and wheeled landing gear even if part of the power fails.The low-altitude economy, discussed for years, seems to have hit a small climax this year. Concepts like "air taxi" and "air bus" are the most frequently mentioned business directions in the low-altitude field. Whether it's smart home companies like Dreame and Mova, or new energy vehicle companies like Xpeng, they are all joining the low-altitude track.             "Although many well-funded companies can quickly launch relevant mockups, the aircraft industry still has many pitfalls that are hard to avoid. There's still a big gap between making a product and turning it into a business," a researcher engaged in aerospace development told GeekPark. He believes the current heat in the low-altitude track partly comes from significant government support in recent years, even being included in the 15th Five-Year Plan, seen by many as the next big trend. Additionally, the growth in drone shipments and the expansion of drone delivery services have opened new opportunities.             However, for most early-stage low-altitude economy startups, they already have relatively mature business scenarios in inspection and security, generating some profit to "subsidize" B2C-type aircraft R&D. Ultimately, they hope to sell these eVTOLs to aviation companies, serving ordinary users and building an air transport system. "In the future, the trip from Shanghai to Suzhou might take about 15 minutes," he mentioned.

Observation 2: More Important Than Singing and Dancing — How to Bring Robots into Homes?

By 2026, if a humanoid robot can only simply "walk a few steps", it no longer satisfies the public. After the Spring Festival Gala, many visitors passing by robot booths would murmur comments like, "Whoa, this performance is better/worse than the one at the Gala." Unitree Robotics designed boxing demo stages in two halls this year, showcasing their robots' agility through boxing. Other humanoid robot demos were mostly the standard three-piece set: dancing, walking, and doing flips — not much variation.Slightly different this year, there was a clear sense that JD.com and many robotics companies hope to bring robots into users' homes through rental platforms. Zhiyuan Robotics also showcased its "Qingtian Rent" service, even promoting "1 yuan quick rental". It converts robot performances into on-demand rental services mainly through sharing, scheduling, and platform dispatch, currently applied in commercial performances, dining, retail, and exhibitions.             JD.com also collaborated with Engines, Deep Robotics, and other brands to display humanoid, quadruped, and companion robots. Renting a Unitree robot dog costs about 78 yuan per day, while a U1 humanoid robot costs around 1,800 yuan per day. According to on-site staff, during the Spring Festival period, robot rental demand surged, with many orders booked from the holiday through mid-March.             We also randomly interviewed some interested visitors. Most were just curious. When asked if they'd actually consider renting, many young people showed eagerness to try it but wouldn't rent long-term. Most middle-aged people said no. "I don't know what I'd do with it; it's fun to watch, that's enough." Clearly, a core reason preventing robots from entering thousands of homes is still their unclear purpose.             In contrast, interest in desktop robots has increased. Xiaotian launched a kilogram-level trainable robot dog, opening up programming for users to set motion controls themselves.Cellwall Intelligence introduced a six-axis desktop robot that actively changes based on the person's position. Using three cameras, it supports gesture control, voice control, and can have its screen actively follow hand gestures.Regarding desktop robots, compared to last year's popular AI companion toys, purely AI companion desktop robots have significantly decreased, and the buzz seems to have cooled down. We also noticed many companies start transforming common office hardware into robots, integrating AI for mechanical control, emphasizing proactive intelligence. In terms of interaction, while last year emphasized multimodal capabilities, this year focuses more on proactive interaction, perception, and adaptive adjustment.             We briefly learned on site that the R&D cycle for small desktop robots is shortening. Previously, it took 1-2 years, but now prototype models can be built in about 3-6 months. Compared to emotional companionship products, more startups prioritize practical use in office scenarios, ensuring early profitability. "Find people who truly understand the product's value to pay for it, rather than testing an uncertain market," said a member of a desktop robot startup team.             Compared to the frenzy in the robotics track over the previous two years, both users and developers seem more rational about robot functions and value this year, with more pragmatic design approaches.

Observation 3: 3D Printers and Consumer Exoskeletons — From New Species to Small Red Ocean

Not only are popular tech tracks crazily competing on specs, but once-called new species like 3D printers and consumer exoskeleton robots also face new competitors. In 3D printing, companies like Anker and Mova, which lean more towards 3C, showcased new 3D printers. Anker Innovations' brand eufyMake displayed its first consumer-grade stereoscopic texture UV printer, eufyMake E1. It's said to support full-color pattern and stereoscopic texture printing on over 300 materials. Software-wise, eufyMake also created portable design platforms to help users create their own designs.             A staff member told us AI-generated design lowers the entry barrier, enabling most users to design desired models, opening space for 3D printers in the mass market. Companies with deep 3C hardware experience can quickly launch products, but now 3D printing tests not only hardware capability but also software platform and community building. Additionally, big players entering boost product awareness and pour funds into consumables, potentially reducing costs. He estimated consumable prices might drop by about a quarter this year.             Not only 3D printers but also consumer exoskeleton robots are heating up, driven by leading stars. This year, many consumer exoskeleton companies like Aoshikai, BionicM, and Shengbu Innovation have sprung up. Shengbu Innovation, incubated under the Zero brand, brought a consumer-level lower limb exoskeleton robot weighing 2kg, which can be quickly donned within three minutes, with a battery life up to 10 hours. According to introductions, it improves movement efficiency by 20% through design, features AI gait adaptation, and supports 13 complex motion modes within 0.2 seconds.             At the exhibition, almost all consumer exoskeleton booths had long queues of users waiting to try, and some brands had to limit traffic early.Product positioning for consumer exoskeletons is more refined than last year, with versions suitable for the elderly, outdoor scenarios, or home adaptation. We briefly chatted with first-time users; most felt going up and down stairs was easier, but "it's too conspicuous to wear outside" deterred long-term use. Conversely, many middle-aged and elderly people showed more interest and willingness to buy, but worried about ease of use — the current operation still has a threshold.             Whether 3D printers or consumer exoskeletons, product design, tech routes, and functions show little difference from last year's displays — mostly parameter improvements with no significant experiential upgrade. But judging by the influx of players, last year's new species have become a small red ocean this year, attracting more companies.

Observation 4: Eager to Go Global — Not Just Model Makers, but Also AI Glasses

Driving 50km, we saw companies' passion for going global at the AWE Shanghai Eastern Hub Pavilion. Overseas users without Chinese visas can enter via customs-free policies to view products. Relatively, most exhibitors here aim to broaden business overseas. Besides robotics, companies passionate about going global fall into two categories: model makers and AI glasses manufacturers.             Model makers like MiniMax, SenseTime, Huawei, Baidu, and Qwen showcased not just model capabilities but business-oriented solutions. After talking to staff, we found they are eyeing the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Asian markets, with many seeing model export as key to this year's growth.             "Domestic models are among the most cost-effective products currently, and the user experience is better, making promotion easier in culturally similar markets. Especially with the Middle East building smart cities, there are many government and enterprise deals," a model salesperson revealed. But compared to large To B enterprises, startups need time to achieve data compliance, regulatory compliance, and build distribution systems in a new market. Model export is still in its early stages with no clear hierarchy yet.Besides models, smart glasses makers also gathered conspicuously in this hall. Common AI glasses players like INMO, Guangli, XREAL, and Thunderbird Innovation showcased their newest products. XREAL brought XREAL One Pro, XREAL 1S, etc. Thunderbird Innovation displayed the Thunderbird X3 Pro AI glasses and released "Thunderbird Smart Life," a local life application. Externally, few differences exist among brands; application layers vary, but actual experience gaps aren't huge.Apart from vertical AI glasses makers, internet companies like Huawei, Xiaomi, Baidu, and Quark also displayed existing AI glasses, focusing more on AI interaction but overall functions similar, with no obvious differentiation.             On-site sources say most vertical AI glasses makers have been overseas for years, but internet companies' AI glasses rarely have export plans. For most AI glasses makers, going global is often essential. Domestic AI glasses have low gross profit margins, while overseas margins can be 30%-50% higher. Overseas users are more willing to pay, leading to fierce competition among AI glasses makers in foreign markets.

Observation 5: Bilibili, Xiaohongshu, JD.com, Douyin — Intense 3C Platform Competition

About two years ago, AWE began introducing major 3C e-commerce platforms, which started showcasing their tech genes. Bilibili invited Luo Yonghao, He Tongxue, and other gaming/digital content creators for group tours, creating five fun review areas and live-streaming AWE unboxings. Users could try cutting-edge home appliances and do large-screen game tests on site.             Douyin held a "Tech Night" exhibition area, showcasing products like the nubia M153 Doubao phone assistant tech preview and the Stone G-Rover "stair-climbing vacuum." Douyin also invited celebrities to tour and experience products.Xiaohongshu held a 3C product "planting" contest, inviting influencers to check in. JD.com hosted many launch events, even giving out gold and offering national subsidy policies. From booth designs, Bilibili emphasizes tech content reviews, Xiaohongshu focuses on lifestyle experiences. Among e-commerce platforms, Douyin values fast-paced live streams, while JD.com knows e-commerce tactics. User positioning: Bilibili and Xiaohongshu skew younger; JD.com and Douyin target broader audiences.             Insiders reveal consumption has tightened recently, with online retail growth slowing. Tech products are considered a relatively good high-ticket category, hence all platforms prioritize them.

06 Conclusion

Overall, AWE this year lacked many "heavyweight" products, but showed subtle AI-driven changes in daily-life products. For instance, manually or voice-controlled functions now integrate AI models, enabling natural language interaction and basic agency. We also noticed that compared to companies holding AI tech but unsure how to use it, many traditional home appliance makers have long planned AI integration. For example, kitchen appliance brand Robam showcased an AI kitchen glasses with monochrome display, guiding users step-by-step in cooking. It also integrates recipes into its model to teach personalized menus.             Despite high AI attention across industries, many companies maintain high focus but low investment in AI Agent capabilities, believing it's too early for memory and execution. This reveals that the gap between AI concept validation and large-scale implementation isn't fully resolved. Yet this caution and restraint made this AWE less flashy but more pragmatic. After all, technology consumers are willing to pay for is good technology.Channel: Auto & Mobility

GeekPark

Tracking the tech circle you can't miss.

---