Shanghai’s World AI Conference (WAIC) 2025 – the stage for AI’s brightest innovations – just kicked off. As AI startups, tech giants, and research labs from over 800 companies showcase thousands of exhibits, visitors are immersed in a ‘citywalk’ experience that blends Shanghai’s heritage with cutting-edge robotics. Go behind the scenes with CGTN’s Wu Bin and Chen Tong as they guide us through the expo’s highlights.
Reimagining a Traditional Valley: Organizers transplanted a traditional Chinese valley into the expo center, complete with winding lanes and tea houses. But instead of tea servers, agile service robots greet attendees, delivering refreshments and wayfinding. It’s a vivid reminder that AI isn’t just code – it’s moving, social, and deeply cultural.
From Chatbots to Smart Cities: Whether you’re exploring conversational AI demos that converse in multiple languages or eyeing smart city solutions optimizing traffic and energy use, WAIC offers a glimpse of AI’s real-world impact. Data-driven insights onstage reveal how AI adoption could boost global GDP by trillions in the next decade, highlighting opportunities for entrepreneurs and policymakers alike.
Global Stage for Innovation: For young professionals and students, WAIC is more than exhibitions – it’s a networking hub. Thought leaders discuss ethics, human rights, and sustainability in AI, while digital nomads can discover immersive travel tools powered by augmented reality. And for sports and entertainment fans, AI-driven analytics stations let you experiment with virtual referees and soundtrack generators.
What’s Next? As the ‘citywalk’ winds down, one thing is clear: AI’s future is as diverse as its applications. From the traditional valley’s robotic hosts to live demonstrations of tomorrow’s smart solutions, WAIC 2025 is a blueprint for how AI can enrich cultures, economies, and communities worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates from Shanghai!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
