The 138th China Import and Export Fair, better known as the Canton Fair, launched its autumn session in Guangzhou on October 15 with a focus on next-generation robotics and AI-driven innovations. A record 120,000 global buyers from over 200 countries and regions registered for Asia's largest trade expo, signaling renewed confidence in the Chinese mainland's manufacturing ecosystem.
This year's event introduced a dedicated service robot zone featuring autonomous delivery systems, AI-powered healthcare assistants, and multilingual customer service bots. One exhibit by Shenzhen-based UnityBot demonstrated a humanoid robot capable of performing 68 facial expressions while answering complex technical queries in 12 languages.
"The integration of large language models with industrial applications is reshaping global supply chains," said Canton Fair spokesperson Li Xing during a press briefing. "These innovations offer practical solutions for aging populations and labor shortages across Asia."
Economic analysts note the fair's tech pivot aligns with the Chinese mainland's push to upgrade its $6 trillion manufacturing sector. Cross-border e-commerce platforms reported a 40% year-on-year increase in pre-fair business matching requests, particularly from ASEAN and Middle Eastern markets.
