The 2026 Appliance & Electronics World Expo, or AWE 2026, opened in Shanghai today. It is being held from March 12 to 14 at the Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone and from March 12 to 15 at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre.

Among the most anticipated highlights this year are the cutting-edge smart devices showcased at the Eastern Hub IBCZ.

Rather than simply unveiling new gadgets, exhibitors are focusing on how technology can integrate seamlessly into daily life and become a gateway to the future.

Smart glasses: Lighter, smarter, and more immersive

Are smart glasses the next big thing? Recent progress suggests they may finally be ready for everyday consumers. The Xreal 1S is among the highlights of the show, delivering a smooth experience with almost no perceptible delay. Its display remains clear even when the user is moving, and a simple double-tap on the frame turns ordinary videos, photos, or other media into 3D content.

Other models, such as the Xiaodu AI Glasses Pro and Qwen G1, are remarkably light, weighing about the same as a standard pair of glasses. These devices act as personal assistants that can handle navigation, scan codes, and identify objects, tasks that previously required a smartphone.

Versatile screens: Tailored to different scenarios

Screens are no longer rigid or fixed in size. At the Lenovo booth, a laptop screen can roll out like a scroll, expanding from 16 inches to 24 inches at the touch of a button. This design is ideal for gamers, people who need extra space for writing and coding, and creative professionals.

In the automotive section, the BOE Hero 2.0 Intelligent Cockpit turns a car into a mobile living space. It features a display that projects information such as speed, navigation, and other driving data directly onto the road. Even in bright sunlight, the image remains sharp. Drivers can control everything through voice, hand gestures, or touch, and can even adjust their home thermostat while still behind the wheel.

Connected hearts: AI gives objects a human touch

AI is increasingly being integrated into everyday items to make them more responsive and intuitive. For example, a smart night light presented by MiniMax can automatically adjust its brightness and color temperature based on ambient light. It can also detect human movement and turn on a soft, warm light at night that is easy on the eyes. Similarly, an AI toothbrush uses sensors to track brushing pressure and movement. It provides real-time voice feedback to correct brushing habits and generates a personalized health report.

One of the most popular attractions is Xiaoyou, a small robot from SenseTime. It can display hundreds of facial expressions and respond to a user's emotions in real time. If you smile, it blinks; if you frown, it tilts its head. Most impressively, it has long-term memory. It remembers if you were feeling unwell last week and asks how you are doing today, making it feel more like a companion than a machine.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, AWE 2026