In September 2026, the global tech community's attention once again turns to Europe. At IFA 2026, currently underway in Berlin, Germany, a series of cutting-edge tech products are making their debut. Innovations in intelligent manufacturing from China, such as stair-climbing patrol robots, smart washing machines that can identify garment colors, and smart mattresses featuring zoned massage and sleep-aid functions, have become a major highlight of the show, drawing significant attention from overseas media and global visitors alike. As one of the world's largest trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances, this year's IFA not only showcases the latest industry trends but also serves as a vital window for the world to observe China's industrial upgrading.
The scale and participation level of this year's exhibition are truly remarkable. According to organizer data, IFA 2026 has brought together over 1,900 brands from around the globe, with visitor attendance projected to exceed 220,000. In this global tech extravaganza, the participation and engagement of Chinese brands are particularly prominent. U.S. tech media outlet Tech Times reported that as many as 932 Chinese companies are exhibiting, accounting for nearly half of the total exhibitors. German broadcaster rbb24 has also keenly observed this striking trend. The outlet noted that the number of Chinese companies at IFA this year far exceeds last year's figure of over 700, highly praising the fact that "China has moved to the center." In contrast, there are only 201 German companies and a mere 5 Japanese companies exhibiting at this year's show. This stark contrast in figures clearly reflects the robust competitiveness and growing influence of Chinese consumer electronics brands on the international stage.
Beyond its expanding scale, the deepening AI integration of Chinese brands has also become a key focus in intensive coverage by overseas media. In an in-depth feature exploring "What Will the Home of the Future Look Like?", Euronews turned its spotlight to the Chinese pavilion. The report argues that Chinese brands' continuous innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) has truly delivered on the promise of saving time and effort for users, bringing smart home solutions from concept to practical reality. The article specifically highlighted several highly representative innovative products: a smart washing machine equipped with a camera that can accurately identify the colors of garments in the drum and proactively alert users to avoid color bleeding during mixed loads, greatly enhancing daily convenience; a smart mattress with massage and sleep-aid functions that allows for independent zoned control to meet personalized health needs; and a quadruped robot dog capable of flexibly performing surveillance and security tasks in complex environments, demonstrating the deep integration of AI technology in both household and commercial scenarios.
In the robotics sector, Chinese companies have delivered equally stunning performances. "Chinese-made robots are stealing the show at IFA," commented South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo, echoing the shared sentiment of many international media outlets. The report noted that this year's IFA features the largest humanoid robot pavilion in its history, with Chinese brands occupying a prominent position. In lifestyle scenarios, humanoid robots can interact with visitors through fist bumps, perform dance routines, and adeptly execute complex household chores like mopping the floor. Meanwhile, industrial robots have also performed exceptionally well. JoongAng Ilbo detailed the robots' stable inspection capabilities demonstrated by navigating stairs and slopes, as well as their outstanding performance in precision operations such as transporting materials, picking and placing items from high shelves, and assembling components. Behind these technological breakthroughs lies the rapid rise of China's robotics industry. Citing the latest forecast from research firm TrendForce, the article noted that China's humanoid robot production is expected to surge by 94% this year, and the market size is projected to reach 24 billion yuan by 2027, demonstrating immense development potential.
From "Made in China" to "Intelligently Made in China," IFA 2026 is not only a premier showcase of the world's top technologies but also a testament to the leap in strength of Chinese tech enterprises. Relying on a mature and comprehensive supply chain system and continuous technological innovation, Chinese tech companies are striding confidently toward the center of the global stage. Looking ahead, with the further iteration of cutting-edge technologies such as AI and robotics, Chinese enterprises will continue to lead the development trends in the global consumer electronics industry, bringing a better and more convenient smart lifestyle experience to consumers worldwide.