WAIC 2026 Highlights: AI Moves from Concept to Real Life

The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2026) took place in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. Under the theme "AI Partners, Co-create the Future", the event was held across 3 venues with 4 exhibition halls, featuring over 1,100 companies and more than 3,000 exhibits — among which over 300 products made their global debut.

1. Milestone for Global AI Governance

During the conference, the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) was officially established. Representatives from 29 countries signed the founding agreement. As the world's first intergovernmental international organization dedicated to artificial intelligence, it will be headquartered in Shanghai. The organization will work on global AI technical standards, ethical rules, and help developing countries benefit from AI progress.

2. Domestic Computing Power Reaches New Level

Computing power is the foundation of AI development. At this year's WAIC, China's domestic computing power industry presented major breakthroughs. Companies including Huawei and Sugon unveiled 100,000-card-scale AI computing clusters. Domestic AI chip makers like Orient Silicon released new-generation processors. From core hardware to complete systems, domestic solutions now support ultra-large AI model training.

3. Humanoid Robots Steal the Show

The humanoid robot exhibition hall was the most popular area of the conference. Unlike previous years where robots mainly performed dances or stunts, this year's models are entering real commercial scenarios: they can work as exhibition guides, hotel receptionists, or pharmacy assistants, and some products are already in mass production. Featured exhibits such as manned transformable mechas and soccer-playing robots also drew large crowds.

4. AI Integrates into Daily Life

A key highlight of WAIC 2026 is practicality. AI is no longer just a laboratory technology — it has been applied in more than 20 industries:

• Healthcare

  : Robotic smart pharmacies can receive orders, pick medicines and finish packaging within 90 seconds.

• Industry

  : AI can independently complete industrial programming and assembly line work.

• Public services

  : China's AI meteorological early warning system has been deployed in multiple countries to improve disaster response.

Overall, AI in 2026 is rapidly evolving from "chat tools" to capable "intelligent partners". Real-world application and industrial value have become the core trend of the industry.