by Lin Teng

At CES 2025, a Shenzhen exhibitor described the event succinctly: "Everything is AI."

After years of slow progress in consumer electronics, CES is seeing significant innovation driven by AI technology. This year’s theme, "AI Dive In," reflects the industry’s focus, with thousands of companies integrating AI into their offerings. Over 4,500 companies participated, including more than 1,475 from China—about one third of the total. Among them, 450 were Shenzhen-based.

Chinese companies showcased a range of AI-powered products. TCL’s modular AI companion robot and Hisense’s smart living, energy, and automotive solutions attracted attention. In the automotive sector, Autel Intelligent Tech introduced a smart DC supercharger, and RoboSense presented robotic solutions built on its LiDAR expertise. Energy storage company EcoFlow demonstrated AI-integrated products for personalized energy management, such as systems that optimize battery charging during adverse weather or peak pricing.

AI glasses, however, emerged as the centerpiece of CES 2025. Booths showcasing these devices were packed, with over a dozen Chinese manufacturers, including RayNeo, Rokid, Xreal, and Meizu, presenting their latest models. CES data lists 312 companies under "ar/vr/xr," 59 of them Chinese.

“The interest has grown significantly compared to last year,” said Wu Kejian, co-founder of Xreal. While AI glasses are still evolving, Lu Yong, president of Meizu XR, believes they have high market potential due to their usability and personalization. Meizu XR sold tens of thousands of units in 2024 and expects sales to triple or quadruple in 2025.

Many smaller Chinese manufacturers focus on integrating AI into existing products to enhance functionality and boost sales. MOVA, a robot vacuum company, improved obstacle avoidance and path planning with AI. Similarly, Narwal applied AI for binocular stereo vision technology and multimodal voice assistance in its smart home products.

Yu Ying, vice dean of the Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Institute, emphasized practical, revenue-driven applications. “Concepts alone won’t sell—hardware needs to generate income,” she said. The institute organized 32 startup companies to showcase their mass-produced products at CES.

Some remain skeptical about AI glasses’ readiness. Wu Kejian pointed out that their current functions, like photo and video recording, are limited and rely on brand recognition rather than true AI innovation.

Nevertheless, Chinese companies dominated the AI hardware scene with their strong supply chains and rapid iteration capabilities. Lu Yong noted that many international brands rely on Chinese manufacturers for customized smart glasses. The development of domestic chip alternatives and specialized microcontroller units further reduces dependence on foreign suppliers.

Compared to previous years, Chinese companies now dominate the startup hardware space at CES. Yu Ying highlighted the integration of design and manufacturing as a key advantage, enabling faster iteration and innovation. “China’s 40 years of industrial capability allow us to iterate at ten times the speed of other countries,” she said.