“Digital Expo” showcases future lifestyle

The 2024 China International Digital Economy Expo, held from October 24 to 26 in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies and products, creating an immersive experience that offers a glimpse into future lifestyles. Visitors had the chance to taste the capabilities of “smart cooking machines,” interact with 5G health screening robots, and even challenge AI models with brain teasers.

One of the standout attractions at the event was Tesla’s “Cybertruck,” characterized by its angular design and unpainted, space-age stainless steel body, which drew a crowd eager to take photos. According to the company, this vehicle not only boasts ballistic resistance but also resists corrosion and rust. It is the world’s first mass-produced vehicle built on a 48V low-voltage architecture, allowing for expanded functionality. Notably, the model has performed well in the U.S. market.

“We’ve seen several popular products launched this year by new domestic automotive brands, while traditional automakers are also rapidly transitioning to new energy vehicles,” said Tao Lin, Tesla’s global vice president. “I believe no single company can thrive in isolation; only through collective industry success can we drive beneficial changes in our lives.”

Tao highlighted that since entering China in 2013, Tesla has invested significantly in Hebei, establishing ten stores across cities like Shijiazhuang and Tangshan. Looking ahead, the company plans to enhance its investments in the region, particularly by expanding its charging infrastructure to provide consumers with more convenient services.

At the booth of Hebei Avatar Robot Innovative Technology Co., visitors were particularly taken with “iBot,” a charming robotic companion. Liu Xichao, the company’s marketing director, explained that this robot finds applications in both education and elder care. It caters to learning needs from kindergarten through vocational education, helping teachers with instructional tasks and engaging children in activities.

“This robot assists teachers in lessons, organizes materials, and supports children with exercise and games—it’s essentially a teacher’s aide,” Liu noted. “Feedback from teachers and parents in places like Jiangsu and Hebei has been positive, as our digital solutions provide support and insights for parents regarding their children’s school activities.”

As society grapples with an aging population, many exhibitors at the expo focused on elderly care solutions. For instance, Huawei showcased its “Whole House Smart AI Assisted Care Sensor,” which detects falls and prolonged inactivity among seniors, promptly notifying emergency contacts via phone or text. The device also monitors sleep patterns to ensure safe and healthy living for older adults.

The expo featured various engaging experiences, such as playing Go against advanced AI, learning idioms through interactive digital characters, and chatting with lifelike humanoid robots. This year’s event exemplified how new technologies are continuously being integrated into diverse applications, fueling the growth of the digital economy.

As Wang Ning, president of the China Electronic Commerce Association, observed, “Technological innovation is the driving force behind the development of the digital economy and artificial intelligence. We should enhance our investment in research and development within these fields. Encouraging collaboration among businesses, universities, and research institutions will build systems for cooperative innovation, driving technical advancements and real-world applications.”