Beijing, China – At the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), cutting-edge AI and robotics stole the show, revealing how technology is powering growth in China's international services trade.
First, smart glasses took center stage: developed by China Telecom representatives, these wearables leverage multimodal recognition to estimate food calories and deliver personalized dietary guidance. Users simply look at a dish and ask the AI assistant for nutritional insights based on their health data.
"We've applied a new AI technology, namely, multimodal recognition, to estimate the caloric content of food. It can also create customized health management based on users' health data and dietary habits. With the development of AI technology, it will create new growth drivers for the consumption of services," said Wu Hainan, representing China Telecom at CIFTIS.
But it wasn't just consumer gadgets making waves. At the Humanoid Robotics Data Training Center in Beijing, engineers are honing robots for everyday tasks. A standout demonstration showed a robot repeatedly practicing opening a fridge door—a simple action that requires a sudden burst of force, a challenge for steady-moving machines.
"We are teaching robots to open a fridge door. It may look simple, but it is not easy to do. Robots typically produce a steady force, but opening a fridge door requires a sudden burst of force," explained Yuan Jun. "That's why we have to train robots hundreds, even thousands of times, to help them learn about this nuance and master the skill through practice. Look, it's just opened the door."
These innovations highlight a broader trend: as AI and robotics advance, they are reshaping service sectors—from healthcare and nutrition to manufacturing—fueling trade in expertise and digital solutions. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and change makers, China's showcase signals the next wave of international collaboration and economic growth powered by tech.
With digital services now a cornerstone of global trade, the spotlight at CIFTIS underlines how smart technologies are not just concepts but real-world drivers creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers worldwide.
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AI and robotics drive growth in China's international services trade
cgtn.com
