Summary of Key Points
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) was held in Shanghai, with the theme “Intelligent Partners, Creating a Shared Future.” President Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech, inspiring enthusiasm for cooperation among domestic and international enterprises. Nearly 30 entrepreneurs discussed the future of AI, focusing on aspects such as the evolution of AI technology, deep integration with industries, benefits for people's livelihoods, global collaborative governance, and development paths with Chinese characteristics. They emphasized that AI should move from “technological breakthroughs” to “practical value,” being open, beneficial, and serving the real economy and ordinary people.
1. Where is AI Technology Heading?
Entrepreneurs agreed that AI should not remain limited to tasks like chatting and answering questions; it needs to evolve towards greater intelligence and relevance to real-world applications:
- Towards General Artificial Intelligence (AGI): Zhipu stated that the competition in AI is not about who loses or wins, but about making technological breakthroughs accessible to everyone, so that ordinary people can benefit from AGI.
- Embodied Intelligence as a New Direction: Jiang Xu from Liangyuan Xinchuang suggested that the next generation of AI should have a physical form, enabling it to perform tasks in the real world (e.g., using robots for loading and unloading goods). This requires large-scale video data training to teach AI to mimic human actions and make judgments.
- A Critical Data Loop: Li Zaizhe from SKAI pointed out that high-precision manufacturing robots need more than just models; they also need digital twins and simulation tests to create a “data loop” – similar to practicing in a virtual world before working on real production lines to avoid errors.
- Understanding Real Scenarios is Essential: Li Shimin from Modsi Intelligence believed that AI must understand changing realities. For example, when a user asks for a coffee, the system should consider which nearby shops are open and how to deliver it, rather than just defining what a coffee is.
2. AI Is Not a “Cheat Tool”; It Should Be a Core Part of Industries
Many entrepreneurs stressed that AI should not be a mere additional tool but should be deeply integrated into industry processes:
- Reconstructing Business Processes: Guo Wei from Shenzhou Digital noted that the focus in the AI era is not on who has the largest model, but on how to integrate AI into the smallest details of business operations (e.g., using AI to optimize procurement, production, and management processes) for qualitative improvements.
- Solving Real Industry Challenges: Wang Yishan from Sainade hopes that AI models combined with logistics can solve issues like a lack of manpower and disorganized scenarios. Yang Zaifei from Haizhi Technology called for focusing on the ability to control AI models effectively, ensuring their accuracy and safety in financial and manufacturing applications.
- AI in Logistics: Yu Enyuan from Xinshiqi stated that while autonomous logistics currently solves transportation problems, the next step is to use embodied intelligence for loading, unloading, and handling tasks, covering the entire supply chain.
3. AI Should Be Practical: Serving Ordinary People
Entrepreneurs emphasized that the value of AI should benefit ordinary people:
- Empowering Agriculture: Li Nan from Maimei Technology suggested that AI should not be exclusive to elites but should help farmers by understanding soil needs and optimizing irrigation and fertilization.
- Supporting Elderly Care: Jia Xuefeng from Huihua Intelligence hoped that AI could become an active partner in caring for the elderly, remembering their habits and providing companionship.
- Community Integration: Yu Xiang from Dongfang Youxian believed that AI should help residents with daily tasks like checking utilities and scheduling services.
4. Global Cooperation Is Key: Openness and Rule-Making
There was consensus that AI is a global issue that requires open collaboration to break down barriers:
- Sharing Technological Achievements: Alex from Yingsi Intelligence mentioned that China’s use of AI in drug development could extend human health, and he welcomed participation in this global effort.
- Establishing Global Standards: Li Tong from Qinglang Intelligence called for the establishment of safety standards for humanoid robots. Chen Lucheng from Caosu suggested that China should share its industrial AI solutions to upgrade manufacturing worldwide.
- Compliant International Expansion: Zhen Lixin from Hehe Information emphasized the importance of complying with local data regulations when exporting products to over 200 countries, using standardized solutions to bridge digital gaps.
5. China’s Advantages in AI: Diverse Scenarios and a Complete Ecosystem
Entrepreneurs highlighted China’s unique advantages and the need to develop an AI path with Chinese characteristics:
- Rich Industry Scenarios: Li Shimin from Modsi Intelligence noted China’s comprehensive manufacturing ecosystem and developer community, which provide a favorable foundation for AI applications.
- Autonomous and Controllable Ecosystem: Yu Enyuan from Xinshiqi hoped for breakthroughs in foundational technologies to build a domestic AI ecosystem.
- Policy and Support: Xue Fei from Liaode Technology pointed out that the development of bionic robots relies on national support and a supportive industry environment.
In summary, the conference sent a clear message: AI should move from showcasing capabilities to providing practical solutions, serving people, industries, and the world, ultimately becoming an intelligent partner for humanity. China is playing a significant role in the AI revolution by leveraging its unique strengths.