AI Goes to the Masses as 'Flying Cars' Take Off

Global technology leaders are showcasing how artificial intelligence is moving beyond the lab and into daily life, making smart technology more accessible and affordable.

Simultaneously, the CIIE's other major highlight is the low-altitude economy, dominated by "flying cars" and heavy-lift drones, which is signing massive deals that signal a new era for transportation.

Both AI and the low-altitude economy are designated strategic growth industries in China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), positioning them as key drivers for economic growth across sectors, from chips and logistics to transportation.

The Arrival of the 'AI+ Era'

Tech giants like AMD, Samsung, and Schneider Electric are demonstrating innovations designed to embed AI into everyday infrastructure and consumer products.

US-based chip giant AMD is making high-performance AI accessible with the debut of compact, "chocolate box-sized" mini AI workstations. Starting from only 15,000 yuan (US$2,083), these devices, along with new AI PCs, are bringing powerful computing to small enterprises and developers.

AMD China President Spencer Pan highlighted that "AI+" (AI adoption across various industries) has become a pivotal driver of high-quality economic growth in China, underscoring the company's efforts to build an open ecosystem with local partners for the 'AI+' era.

Samsung unveiled its AI Home system, creating a smart ecosystem for daily living, entertainment, and health management. The SmartThings app seamlessly connects appliances. A key demonstration featured an intelligent AI refrigerator that uses voice control and recognizes 37 types of fresh ingredients to manage inventory and suggest customized recipes.

Schneider Electric, an eight-time CIIE participant, showcased a range of innovative solutions for AI data centers. Ensuring the stability of massive AI systems, Schneider Electric displayed its Galaxy VXL UPS (uninterruptible power supply).

This compact, high-density power protection system, essential for AI data centers with enhanced security, is already in use by top Chinese dot-com firms providing AI services to millions.

Furthermore, China Mobile utilized AI on-site at CIIE to track real-time traffic and optimize network capacity, ensuring internet access even during peak congestion.

Future Transportation Takes Center Stage

Hall 2.1 was dominated by the future of mobility, with eVTOL, or "flying car," manufacturers and drone companies securing multi-billion yuan deals that validate the potential of the low-altitude economy.

Firms like Vertaxi, TCab Tech, and Volant secured massive contracts, collectively valued at several billion yuan.

Shanghai-based Vertaxi alone signed deals for about 200 eVTOL devices totaling 2 billion yuan.

A notable international agreement involves Saudi Arabia's Aerial Solutions purchasing 100 Vertaxi M1 devices, aiming to expand the technology into the Middle East market.

Vertaxi also shared its vision for half-hour "flying taxi" travel in the Yangtze River Delta, such as a projected 100 yuan and 20-minute trip from Shanghai to Suzhou.

Spain-based HRC, a core material solution supplier, is making a splash by debuting LEU100 logistics drone with its full carbon fiber body.

This heavy-lift drone boasts a maximum takeoff weight of up to 140kg and a range of 200 km. The LEU100 is poised for wide adoption in critical areas like cargo transportation, emergency rescue, and medical assistance.

HRC is actively eyeing the booming low-altitude economy as its next major business engine. Known for providing lightweight and stable carbon fiber parts for the automotive and aerospace industries, HRC is leveraging this opportunity to expand its presence in China, aiming to enhance vehicle efficiency, extend range, and significantly reduce carbon emissions.

To support this push, HRC is doubling its facility space and production capacity in China by opening a new, 60,000-square-meter factory in Changshu, Jiangsu Province.

Meanwhile, Westwell Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited is showcasing the latest man-less smart tracking services at CIIE. Its trucks and systems have been used in several areas globally, including airports and ports.

The excitement around AI and future transportation at CIIE 2025 shows a strong push towards smart, connected, and efficient economic growth, which fits with China's long-term goals.