18 Hong Kong Tech Firms Storm Shanghai AI Event as 'One Brain' Robot Steals the Show
Eighteen Hong Kong tech firms joined forces at Shanghai's World AI Conference, where a new robot system that uses a single "brain" to control multiple bodies became the event's biggest attraction.
SHANGHAI — A wave of 18 Hong Kong information technology enterprises descended on the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai this week, showcasing their latest innovations in a dedicated "Hong Kong Tech Pavilion" organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) [201106]. The pavilion aims to foster international exchange and business collaboration between Hong Kong startups and global tech leaders [201106].
The event was dominated by the unveiling of a new generation of "general embodied AI" products—machines that combine artificial intelligence with physical bodies to perceive their environment and perform tasks without human guidance [200081]. Unlike standard robots that follow pre-programmed steps, these systems can learn and adapt in real time, navigating crowded rooms, handling fragile objects, and responding to voice commands with human-like precision [200081].
The standout announcement came from Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, which unveiled a new artificial intelligence system called "One Brain, Multiple Embodiments" [201102]. The system allows a single central AI to control multiple different robot bodies, meaning the same AI could run a delivery robot, a cleaning robot, or a guide robot [201102]. The company demonstrated the system controlling three different robot types at the same time, with all tasks completed smoothly [201102]. Industry analysts say this could be a major step toward more practical and affordable service robots in hotels, restaurants, and hospitals [201102].
The conference also featured "AI supernode" products—high-powered computing systems designed to train and run large artificial intelligence models [200082]. These supernodes combine multiple processors into a single powerful unit, allowing companies to process data faster without relying on foreign-made chips [200082]. Industry experts at the event noted that the products signal a growing shift toward self-reliance in China's AI infrastructure [200082].
Major tech companies also unveiled a new vision for smartphones as "AI agents" that try to understand the user's intent and coordinate tasks across different apps and services automatically [200389]. Additionally, AI marketing technology company Tec-Do launched Navos 2.0, software designed to power "agentic commerce," where AI agents independently handle complex buying and selling tasks including negotiating deals, managing inventory, and executing transactions [201105].
The conference continues through the week, drawing researchers and investors from around the globe [200081].