China’s home appliance manufacturers are rapidly embracing a smart home revolution by integrating artificial intelligence, leading to a surge in demand for innovative products among consumers.
With the introduction of new subsidies and policies, upgrading homes with cutting-edge technology has never been easier in China, where smart home gadgets are gaining immense popularity.
The concept of controlling electronics with voice commands may still feel futuristic to many, but the essence of a smart home lies in automation — anticipating and fulfilling the needs of users seamlessly, according to industry insiders.
“This washing machine has a feature of automation. After washing, clothes usually need to be hung up to dry. After the laundry cycle completes, the hanger detects this and automatically lowers itself when the washing machine door is opened,” said He Peng, a product specialist of Xiaomi.
“This smart door lock seamlessly integrates with various devices. For instance, upon arrival, the speaker can greet you, while lights, curtains, air purifiers, and air conditioners can all be synchronized and controlled automatically,” said He.
China has rolled out over 40 billion U.S. dollars in subsidies to boost consumption and encourage consumers to trade in old appliances for new ones. Digital devices and smart home gadgets are seeing an immediate surge in demand.
“Gen Z, millennials and the silver-haired are called the ‘three pivotal generations’ who are very key to reshaping China retail momentum. So, each generation exhibits very distinctive preferences in embracing innovation. Gen Z and millennials are quite young, they are young generations, they are much more proactive and enthusiastic when they just want to buy something new, like the smart optical, smart watches and smart speakers. So, they are very popular. In addition, the demand for AI-powered devices, such as voice-controlled smart home systems, is growing very fast in China. That reflects the consumers’ growing preferences to integrate technology into their daily lives,” said Jacky Zhu, head of the retail research department of JLL China.
In contrast, older generations are showing growing interest in wearable healthcare and security products, and home automation remains a massive growth area, industry insiders said.
“But what is the most important thing? I think it is also the voice-controlled terminals for all people, which could also manage the temperature, the emergency calls or the lighting, etc. So, it really helps older people to live independently, without families, and it also can reduce the risks of accidents to the older people,” said Zhu.
The evolution of smart technology extends beyond homes to workspaces, where AI and advanced systems are becoming increasingly prevalent. With the advent of 5G and the Internet of Things in recent years, the interconnectivity of devices has reached new heights, marking a transformative wave of growth driven by AI-powered appliances.
China embraces smart home revolution with AI-integrated appliances
The Ethiopian embassy in Beijing held an event on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and China.
Ambassadors from more than 60 countries attended the event.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Ethiopian Ambassador to China Tefera Derbew Yimam shared his views on China-Ethiopia relations and expressed the hope for further exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.
“Our bilateral relationship is deep-rooted and is based on mutual trust, respect and equality. The two countries have enjoyed their bilateral relationship over the past 55 years. Today, we are celebrating this strong, deep-rooted partnership so that we can use the existing solid foundation for further engagement, for further partnership,” he said.
According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between China and Ethiopia has evolved since the landmark visit by Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie to Beijing in 1971. Over the past more than five decades, relations between China and Ethiopia have been strengthened on the basis of the principles of equality, non-interference and mutual benefit.
“We can see how Ethiopia is taking off through its cooperation, very productive and fruitful cooperation with China. So, we are so proud of it as Africans, but as well as friends of China, so as diplomats and Dean of the African group,” said Martin Mpana, Cameroonian Ambassador to China.
Siddharth Chatterjee, U.N. Resident Coordinator in China, said he visited Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa about 20 years ago, gaining a firsthand understanding of the country’s development. Speaking to the CGTN, he highlighted the relations between China and Ethiopia as a reflection of the broader relations between China and Africa.
“As a matter of fact, Ethiopia epitomizes the microcosm of the China Africa relationship. I have seen first-hand the kind of progress Ethiopia has made. And I went to Addis Ababa for the first time in 2001. I’ve seen the real effects of the Belt and Road Initiative, and how it’s transformed the entire landscape in Ethiopia. So, in many ways, I welcome this sort of partnership that China has with Africa. As far as the United Nations is concerned, we want to see Africa progress,” he said.
Ethiopian embassy marks 55 years of diplomatic relations with China
