The US has tightened controls on China's semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors under the banner of national security. Yet the surge of generative AI is reshaping industries worldwide, and Beijing is pressing ahead with its ambitions, especially in embedding AI into consumer and industrial devices.
Shenzhen, China's leading information and communications technology (ICT) hub, has unveiled an AI development roadmap closely linked to Taiwan's supply chain. The city hosts the headquarters of Huawei, Tencent, and BYD, while Foxconn and other manufacturers maintain large-scale investments in the region.
Shenzhen sets bold goals for AI device production
Shenzhen's plan calls for AI integration to become a defining feature of both consumer and industrial electronics. By 2026, the city aims to nurture more than 10 companies, each generating over CNY800 billion (approx. US$112.16 billion) in annual AI terminal output. Device shipments are projected to exceed 150 million units across at least 50 categories, including smartphones, PCs, and wearables.
The strategy highlights smartphones, computers, servers, imaging systems, home IoT devices, industrial AI terminals, and other emerging categories. For smartphones, the goal is to build next-generation models that integrate chips, operating systems, large language models (LLMs), AI agents, and applications, elevating them from smart tools to intelligent assistants.
Wearable AI devices, including smart glasses, watches, earphones, and AR/VR headsets, are another focus. Consumer models are expected to deliver spatial awareness, real-time translation, and health monitoring, while enterprise devices will target industrial inspection, remote healthcare, and emergency response.
The roadmap also backs niche innovations that combine Shenzhen's hardware and software expertise. Targeted areas include fashion gadgets, personal assistants, eldercare, health monitoring, and emotional companionship, with products ranging from AI-powered business cards and toys to lifestyle assistants.
Expanding AI applications and services
Shenzhen's blueprint extends beyond hardware to applications and services powered by generative AI. By 2026, the city expects to establish more than 60 vertical use cases integrating AI devices in fields including smart manufacturing, finance, urban management, healthcare, eldercare, and government services.
Industry sources note that Shenzhen's roadmap was introduced in early 2025, with companies already aligning to its milestones. Other top-tier cities, including Shanghai and Beijing, have launched similar initiatives. With government, industry, academia, and research mobilized — and underpinned by China's strengths in internet services and manufacturing — the country is positioning itself to become a global AI leader.
Article translated by Levi Li and edited by Jack Wu
