Over 350 Shenzhen Companies Showcase AI and Robotics at CES 2026

Overview

More than 350 companies from Shenzhen exhibited at CES 2026, one of the world's largest technology trade shows, held in Las Vegas from January 6 to 9, 2026. According to the Shenzhen government on January 8, the companies showcased technologies and products in artificial intelligence (AI), display systems, smart home solutions, smart mobility, new energy and smart devices.

China Daily reported that this year's CES drew more than 4,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries and regions, including about 1,400 startups. More than 1,000 Chinese companies took part, accounting for about 32% of all registered exhibitors.

Background

CES is an international consumer electronics and technology show held every January in the United States, and it is closely watched as a venue where companies reveal new products and signal technology trends for the year. Shenzhen has a highly concentrated electronics supply chain, and many of its companies sell drones, mobile devices, chargers, robots and other products in overseas markets.

Shenzhen is actively fostering its AI and robotics industries. According to Xinhua, the city is home to more than 2,000 AI companies and over 1,000 core robotics companies. The large Shenzhen presence at CES appears to reflect efforts by local firms to expand into overseas markets on the strength of this industrial base.

Across Guangdong Province, industrial robot output accounts for more than 40% of the national total and has ranked first in China for five consecutive years. In December 2025, Guangdong released a framework for "robot-friendly" training grounds where robots will train in real-world settings such as open streets, with the main training ground located in Shenzhen. Efforts that link research and development, real-world testing and overseas showcases are gaining momentum.

Key Points

• Scale: More than 350 Shenzhen companies exhibited, and participants at CES as a whole came from more than 155 countries and regions, according to reports.
• Focus areas: According to a Guangzhou Daily outlet, Shenzhen exhibitors focused on embodied intelligence, new energy, smart wearables and intelligent imaging, including technologies and solutions making their global debut.
• Examples: Exhibits included robots able to complete long-range, complex tasks autonomously, consumer AR glasses at lower price points, and integrated solar-plus-storage products designed for energy self-sufficiency.
• Chinese exhibitors overall: Chinese companies showed AI applied across smart home appliances, humanoid robots, smart glasses, smartphones, toys and electric vehicles. Experts said the strong turnout reflects growing innovation capabilities in cutting-edge fields and a greater willingness among Chinese firms to deepen international cooperation.

Implications for Japan-Shenzhen Exchange

Many Japanese companies also exhibit at CES each year, and Japanese and Shenzhen firms continue to present products side by side in fields such as AI, robotics, mobility and energy. Consumer AR glasses, smart wearables and home energy storage products shown by Shenzhen companies are also drawing growing interest in Japan, and attention is turning to how these products may be rolled out in the Japanese market.

The speed of product development and the depth of supply chains among Shenzhen companies may also give Japanese firms a basis for exploring cooperation in component supply, joint development and sales partnerships. At the same time, overseas markets require compliance with each country's regulations and safety standards, and companies' approaches to these requirements are being watched closely.

Outlook

Many products unveiled at CES are expected to reach markets in various countries and regions during 2026, but details such as launch timing and pricing for Japan will depend on future announcements by each company. Key points to watch include whether exhibitors can turn attention at the show into actual overseas orders and partnerships, and how new AI and robotics products are received in different markets.

From the Association

The Association will continue to follow the overseas expansion and new technologies of Shenzhen companies, and will strive to share information that helps companies in Japan and Shenzhen explore exchange and cooperation.