Robotics, AI, and “new forms of smart economy” offer fresh growth opportunities for investors
BEIJING, China — At the 2026 Zhongguancun Forum, visitors weren’t queuing for a celebrity chef—they were waiting for robot waiters.
One robot threaded sugar-coated haws with mechanical precision, another brewed coffee, a third collected the order, and a fourth assembled and delivered the set meal. No humans were involved. A central AI control system coordinated every step, serving over 100 orders on the event’s first day.
This showcase offers a window into China’s fast-growing AI industry, where digital intelligence is increasingly stepping into the physical world. The country is moving beyond the traditional “digital economy” into what officials call “new forms of smart economy”—a strategy where AI reshapes industries, business models, and value creation.
From AI as Tool to AI as Economy Builder
According to the Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence, the robots are powered by a unified technology platform that enables collaboration across machines—a move from “single-machine intelligence” to swarm intelligence.
Government policy now encourages scaling these applications across sectors like manufacturing, agriculture, education, and healthcare. The goal is to leverage China’s advantages—rich data, a complete industrial ecosystem, and abundant real-world application scenarios—to convert AI technology into economic value benefiting both China and the global market.
Chen Changsheng, member of the drafting group for China’s 2026 Government Work Report, explains:
“AI is no longer just a tool. It is reshaping production, business models, and daily life. The aim is to expand its industrial applications and unlock new growth opportunities.”
China’s AI Industry at Scale
Official data show that in 2025, China’s core AI industry exceeded 1.2 trillion yuan ($174 billion), with over 6,200 companies actively participating.
Next steps include:
- Scaling up AI applications across industries
- Developing open-source AI communities
- Expanding intelligent agent technologies
- Building large-scale computing clusters
Zhu Songchun, director of the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence, notes that China’s strong manufacturing base gives the country a competitive edge in robotics. Over the next five years, the “AI plus” initiative is expected to generate new business models, services, and economic scenarios, particularly benefiting young professionals entering AI-driven industries.
Investment and Global Implications
Experts highlight that the “new forms of smart economy” strategy signals a shift from digital empowerment to intelligent restructuring. The initiative is not just boosting productivity domestically—it is creating investment opportunities for overseas companies, from AI hardware and robotics to industrial applications and smart services.
Shen Yang, professor at Tsinghua University, emphasizes:
“China’s AI-powered growth acts as a multiplier for the global economy. It will revitalize traditional industries while creating entirely new economic models.”
Overseas investors and multinational corporations are increasingly taking notice, seeking partnerships and applications that leverage China’s vast AI ecosystem and integrated industrial chains.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
China’s AI push combines three strategic advantages:
- Scale and integration – thousands of companies, millions of AI applications, coordinated technology platforms
- Policy support – “new forms of smart economy” initiative under government work plan
- Market-ready scenarios – robotics, manufacturing, healthcare, and services sectors already adopting AI solutions
For global investors, this creates a unique window into high-growth, technology-driven opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy.
ZH Sailing will continue to track China’s AI developments and smart economy initiatives, offering insights for investors, policymakers, and industry leaders seeking to capitalize on emerging opportunities.