AI tech set to reshape consumer experience

The boundaries between technology and daily life fade visibly at a rapid pace as I strolled through the exhibition halls of the China International Consumer Products Expo 2025.

From the "air taxis" in the low-altitude economy zone to the "tech powered deep sleep cabins" at the health tech pavilion, from AI facial diagnosis robots to smart bionic hands, this global showcase of consumer excellence is not only a visual feast, but also a profound preview of future living.

As a journalist, I navigated between booths, witnessing how AI technology is reshaping every aspect of human life, from health management and transportation to industrial economics.

At the low-altitude economy zone, unmanned drones and flying cars hovered in midair, resembling scenes from a sci-fi movie. The low-altitude economy, by the way, refers to economic activities conducted within an airspace below 1,000 meters.

Among the products that were exhibited, the EH216-L unmanned aerial vehicle by EHang took the spotlight. It's a fully certified eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) that can vertically take off and land without a runway, carrying up to two passengers with a range of tens of kilometers — one that is designed for short trips in urban areas.

EHang COO Wang Zhao mentioned its applications in tourism, emergency medical transport, and potentially as a solution for urban traffic congestion, dubbed the "air taxis" of the future.

"While the low-altitude economy is in its initial phases with a primary focus on tourist attractions, its future potential lies in urban and intercity transportation. Aircraft could eventually access urban locales such as rooftops, residential areas, bus depots, schools and factories, requiring minimal takeoff space," Wang said.

At the United Aircraft booth, the TD550 unmanned helicopter attracted logistics companies with its long endurance and high payload capacity. Staff members revealed that this model can be widely used in logistics distribution in remote areas, agricultural and forestry protection, and emergency rescue operations.

The rise of the low-altitude economy symbolizes not only technological breakthroughs, but also a glimpse of the new quality productive forces that will further drive economic transformation.

At the health consumer zone, the fusion of technology and wellness was truly awe-inspiring. The line for NutriSleep 6s, a tech-embedded sleep aid device developed by Air Nutri, stretched long. Participants lay inside a cabin to experience a state of deep relaxation within just 15 minutes.

The tentacles of AI health management extend to every detail of daily life. OSIM's massage chair interactive area captivated visitors, offering a chance to experience AI stress-monitoring technology, showcasing the charm of health technology, from stress management to deep sleep.

On the other side, the AI facial diagnosis robot integrates traditional Chinese face reading theory with machine vision and AI big data technology, scanning over 300 facial images in 15 seconds, combining pulse diagnosis data to generate a comprehensive health report, leaving viewers in awe of its accuracy.

In the face of the challenges posed by an aging society, AI's application in elder care is particularly heartwarming.

China Mobile's quadruped robot dog roamed the exhibition area, equipped with AI visual algorithms to monitor activities of elderly individuals living alone. In case of anomalies like falls, it triggers alerts and contacts family members, creating a safety net for home-based elderly care.

Keenon's service robot has already made its way into the catering and medical fields, with its humanoid robot capable of autonomously carrying out tasks like meal delivery and guidance. One of the exhibitors in the robotic area said: "Our goal is to use technology to fill the void of companionship."

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the dome of the exhibition center, I felt that this expo is not just a tech showcase, but also a prism reflecting the future.

When AI evolves from a tool to a "companion", and concepts like air taxis and service robots become part of our daily lives, we will witness not only a transformation in consumer habits, but the emergence of a more inclusive and innovative economic ecosystem. The future is already here.