SAEDNEWS: The 140th Canton Fair is presenting a wide range of smart, eco-friendly and service-oriented products, with innovative high-tech, customized and low-carbon solutions attracting international buyers.
According to Saednews, Logistics robots, automated beverage-making machines and robotic pet companions attracted considerable attention in the intelligent robotics section of the 140th Canton Fair, held in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province in southern China, from October 15 to November 4.
At the booth of Hangzhou Taixi Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., international buyers queued to test a consumer-grade waist-support exoskeleton. Visitors held onto its handrails and took several steps to experience how the wearable device reduces pressure on the lower limbs and makes walking easier.
According to company founder Liang Linchao, the product is the first flagship device developed under the company's human-centered physical AI technology strategy. Equipped with waist motors and sensors, the exoskeleton detects users' movements and provides assistance to improve lower-body mobility. Its weight has been reduced to approximately two kilograms. The latest version also features a more refined design, improved algorithms and customized walking programs for older adults and people with hemiplegia.
The growing presence of advanced intelligent equipment highlights China's accelerating efforts to promote industrial innovation. At this year's fair, 64 percent of exhibitors had incorporated industrial internet technologies and artificial intelligence into their research, development and manufacturing processes. New products represented 23.2 percent of all exhibits, reaching a record level.
"Consumer electronics remain the leading category at this year's Canton Fair. Innovative technologies, including new energy storage, embodied intelligence and smart healthcare, are particularly impressive, with numerous advanced products manufactured in China making their first appearance," said Zhang Li, an official from the Ministry of Commerce.
At a nearby booth, European buyers examined real-time data displayed by DSL Tech Group. The company's AI-POOL intelligent swimming pool management system is designed to minimize chlorine consumption. Using sensor probes, it continuously monitors key water-quality indicators, including residual chlorine, pH, turbidity and water pressure. Based on the collected information, the system automatically controls pumps, disinfection equipment and sand-filter backwashing operations.
Company representative Chen Meixiang demonstrated how the system allows users to monitor pool conditions remotely and receive notifications whenever abnormal water-quality readings are detected. Automatic adjustments reduce the need for regular on-site inspections, water sampling and manual chemical treatment.
Chen explained that many private swimming pools overseas traditionally depend on maintenance personnel visiting once a week, which can result in water quality falling outside acceptable standards. The European buyers showing interest in the technology are primarily companies providing swimming pool management and maintenance services. They see its automation capabilities as an opportunity to reduce labor and operating expenses.
The growing competitiveness of technology-based products is also evident in China's foreign trade performance. According to customs statistics, during the first three quarters of 2026, China's combined imports and exports of industrial robots, electronic components, computer parts and electrical equipment surpassed 10 trillion yuan (approximately 1.49 trillion U.S. dollars). This represented a year-on-year increase of 58.9 percent and contributed 11.3 percentage points to overall trade growth.
Liu Chun, president of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, noted that technological progress and industrial modernization are gradually making high-tech and high-value-added goods the principal drivers of foreign trade growth. This development is helping Chinese smart manufacturing move further up the global industrial and value chains.
The shift toward customer-oriented services was also evident at the booth of Shandong Linuo Paradigma Co., Ltd., where representatives introduced customized solutions to international buyers based on the specific requirements of their markets.
A company representative explained that African markets often face unreliable electricity supplies, strong winds and dusty conditions. In response, the company offers affordable solar water-heating systems that are simple to install and operate without electricity. In the Middle East, customers prioritize premium quality and internationally recognized certifications, while South Asian markets place greater emphasis on large capacity and long-term durability. Products are therefore adapted to meet these different regional demands.
The company has also established distribution networks and localized service centers across markets participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. By combining Chinese manufacturing capabilities, technology developed in partnership with German companies and international service networks, it has created a distinctive competitive advantage.
Beyond individual products, this edition of the Canton Fair has introduced a range of prefabricated construction solutions, including capsule-style accommodation units, portable integrated kitchens and modular guesthouses. Chinese manufacturers are increasingly moving beyond supplying individual building components toward offering complete housing solutions, supported by integrated international expansion strategies.
Jia Xuehong, planning and design director of Chongqing SUNDON Prefabricated Construction and Technology Co., Ltd., said the company's prefabricated accommodation solutions for cultural tourism projects had attracted buyers from Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and other countries. More than 300 potential cooperation agreements had reached the preliminary stage. The company plans to continue organizing project discussions and providing comprehensive services covering planning, design, construction and subsequent operations.
Increasingly, Chinese foreign trade enterprises are moving beyond traditional order-taking and product exports toward establishing integrated business systems and providing supporting services overseas. At the fair, 36.5 percent of exhibitors had already begun adopting a business model that combines products with services.
For the first time, the trade services section encompasses all 10 major categories of producer services. These include logistics and warehousing, industrial design, overseas operations and maintenance, cross-border investment and financing, as well as other services supporting international business expansion. The initiative aims to create a comprehensive, one-stop platform for companies seeking to enter overseas markets.
Yang Jie, secretary-general of the Guangdong Industrial Design Association, emphasized that integrating industrial design and research and development throughout a product's entire life cycle, while focusing on consumer needs, is becoming increasingly important. By incorporating design considerations at the earliest stages of development and combining them with technological innovation, Chinese companies are gaining recognition in a growing number of international markets through differentiated products and solutions.
Environmentally friendly technologies are another major attraction at the fair. As countries worldwide accelerate their energy transitions, green products and low-carbon technologies are experiencing growing demand in international markets.
Xiamen HiTHIUM Energy Storage Technology showcased its leading long-duration energy storage solutions, highlighting their ability to provide stable and dependable electricity supplies over extended periods.
Wang Pengcheng, the company's co-founder and CEO, said that an increasing number of countries and regions were restructuring their energy systems. He expressed hope that the Canton Fair would provide an opportunity to introduce China's long-duration energy storage technologies to international audiences, enabling more countries to access reliable, environmentally friendly and affordable clean energy.
China is increasingly contributing to global supply chains through high-quality green and intelligent products, supporting the worldwide transition toward cleaner, more digitalized and smarter economic systems. Over the past decade, the country has supplied more than 80 percent of the world's photovoltaic modules and 70 percent of its wind power equipment, helping substantially reduce the global costs of solar and wind energy generation.
Liang Yutian, associate dean of the Institute of International and Regional Studies at Sun Yat-sen University, observed that the strong presence of new energy technologies, energy storage systems, environmentally friendly household appliances and related products demonstrates how the global green transition is creating new market opportunities.
Looking ahead, Liang suggested that countries could develop additional sources of international economic growth by strengthening technological partnerships, industrial cooperation and the harmonization of standards in areas such as the digital economy, renewable energy, intelligent manufacturing and low-carbon technologies.
From major advances in core technologies to the growing popularity of comprehensive industrial solutions and the integration of sustainability into product development, the innovation showcased at the Canton Fair demonstrates how China is strengthening its foreign trade competitiveness and expanding its connections with global markets.
