The annual ChinaJoy expo will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2026 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (SNIEC). Themed "Travel Alongside AI", this year’s event showcases the trend of accelerating integration between AI and the entertainment and gaming sector.

However, Lei Technology holds that "surrounded by AI" would be a more accurate description. According to official figures, this edition of CJ features nearly 900 exhibitors and an exhibition space exceeding 140,000 square meters, hitting all-time highs in both event scale and the prevalence of AI elements.

(Image source: Official ChinaJoy)

For this session of ChinaJoy (hereinafter abbreviated as CJ), Lei Technology (ID: leitech), which has focused on AI hard technologies for years, will send its reporting team to Shanghai again right after finishing its coverage of WAIC to bring readers in-depth and professional reports. Now, Xiao Lei will sort out in advance the most remarkable major exhibitors and new products at this CJ, revealing what exciting innovations this "Roam with AI" event can deliver.

Grand Review of AI Terminals: Smartphones, PCs and Peripherals All Make an Appearance

1. Qualcomm Snapdragon Takes the Spotlight to Showcase Its New AI Hardware Ecosystem

Currently, numerous brands display their AI devices at exhibitions merely by putting out several AI smartphones, AI PCs and other products labeled with AI functions. Such presentations lack originality and inter-device connectivity.

(Image source: LeiTech photography)

Drawing on Xiao Lei’s experience of covering CJ in previous years, this year’s Snapdragon Pavilion will most likely feature AI smartphones, AI PCs, AI earphones, smart wearables, AI glasses and even robots. At every such exhibition, Qualcomm aims to convey a clear message: Snapdragon is evolving beyond being merely a mobile phone chipset, gradually developing into an all-scenario AI computing platform that powers smartphones, personal computers, vehicles and XR devices.

Attendees are expected to experience AI running on diverse terminals at Qualcomm’s booth. Examples include voice conversations via AI smartphones, local large model operations on AI PCs, and trials of brand-new robots. Through this CJ appearance, Qualcomm intends to illustrate why Snapdragon becomes the top-of-mind choice for users when AI is fully integrated into smart terminals.

In terms of content, the Snapdragon Pavilion will host an array of AI-powered gaming interactions, such as intelligent character engagement, audio and video content generation, as well as AI coaching and companionship. Celebrity esports athletes and tech KOLs will drop by for on-site interactions throughout the exhibition. Combined with check-in perks, Qualcomm Snapdragon is poised to rank among CJ’s most popular exhibition halls once again.

2. Agent PC: An Alternative Path for Terminal Interaction

If Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Pavilion showcases a full lineup of consumer-facing AI terminals, the Agent PC brought by Liulian Intelligence serves to validate an alternative terminal interaction paradigm.

Liulian Intelligence may be unfamiliar to many readers, yet it stands as a major ODM supplier catering to the B2B sector. Its product portfolio covers full-scenario smart terminals including laptops, tablets, Mini PCs, all-in-one desktops, NAS devices and servers. The company employs nearly 3,000 staff members, with R&D personnel accounting for over 60 percent of its workforce.

According to official details, Liulian’s Agent PC hardware is equipped with cutting-edge AI chips from Intel, AMD and other brands. Compared with conventional processors, these chips place greater emphasis on memory, video memory performance and AI computing capacity. On the software side, the brand provides Agent tools such as SixClaw, enabling AI to comprehend, break down and fulfill user tasks. Its product logic diverges drastically from traditional PCs. With conventional PCs, users install software and complete operations manually. By contrast, users only need to set overall goals on Agent PC, and the device autonomously decomposes objectives and carries out relevant tasks.

(Image source: Official Liulian Intelligence)

At this year’s CJ, Liulian plans to showcase its latest Agent PC lineup and demonstrate more AI solutions tailored for government and enterprise clients. Although Liulian primarily targets B-end customers, general consumers can still witness the implementation of integrated hardware-and-software AI terminal solutions, which is definitely encouraging.

3. Screens Are More Than Displays, Serving as the Primary Access Point for AI

TCL CSOT is arguably the most distinctive exhibitor at CJ. It functions solely as a display panel supplier with no direct consumer sales. To put it plainly, all products showcased at TCL CSOT’s booth belong to other manufacturers. Some readers may wonder how display panels connect with AI. As the core interface for human-computer interaction, screens are growing increasingly vital amid the rising prevalence of AI-enabled terminals.

(Image source: LeiTech photography)

According to official information, TCL CSOT will leverage its APEX image technology as a link and cooperate with more than a dozen terminal brand partners including Lenovo, AGON, EVNIA, ASUS, LG, MSI, Acer, BenQ, TCL, Sony and Thunderobot to present a grand exhibition of display products tailored for the gaming ecosystem. The exhibited products cover smartphones, laptops, monitors, TVs and more. Personally, Xiao Lei pays closest attention to PC monitors. Will technologies previously exclusive to high-end monitors now be accessible on mid-range or entry-level models?

Besides, Thunderobot’s lineup of AI glasses is also worthy of attention. It remains uncertain whether Thunderobot will announce new developments of its AI glasses at ChinaJoy.

4. How Does the Peripheral Industry Embark on the AI Journey?

MCHOSE boasts strong momentum this year. Over the past year, verified by Frost & Sullivan, MCHOSE claimed the top position for mechanical keyboard sales across China in 2025. It has created best-selling items with annual sales exceeding one million units in four categories: magnetic-switch keyboards, custom keyboards, esports mice and gaming headsets, establishing itself as an undisputed leader in peripheral hardware.

At this year’s ChinaJoy, MCHOSE will set up its booth at Stand S201, Hall E7 under the theme "MCHOSE Moment of Glory", showcasing its full range of hit products for visitors to test hands-on. The major highlight is the God 60 magnetic-switch keyboard co-branded with Mortal Animation, which will make its global debut and be available for trial experience exclusively on-site during ChinaJoy.

(Image source: Official MCHOSE)

Honestly speaking, AI is far less closely connected to peripherals than chips and terminals. Nevertheless, amid the industry-wide AI transition era, MCHOSE refuses to stand still. It relies on independent research and development capabilities to prove it is not merely an OEM brand with outsourced production. Registered users of the M HUB driver have exceeded one million. Three self-developed systems named Tianwen, Xingdou and Lieying correspond to magnetic-switch keyboards, custom keyboards and esports mice respectively. Tuning the trigger accuracy and response latency of magnetic-switch keyboards calls for massive data accumulation and algorithm optimization. Such substantial technical reserves are far more valuable than simply adding an AI label to products.

In other words, competition in the peripheral industry has shifted from price competition to competition over independent R&D capability. Attendees can expect to see many manufacturers unveil their new development strategies at this year’s CJ.

How AI Imaging Redefines Shooting

5. One Camera Equals an Entire Shooting Crew

The previous content focuses on how AI optimizes the experience of smart terminals. By contrast, OBSBOT will showcase at CJ how AI reshapes shooting itself.

Traditional imaging devices compete on image parameters: pixel count, aperture size and focal length range. However, the OBSBOT Tail 2 delivered solid evidence at the 2026 Esports World Cup (EWC): AI cameras convert shooting from labor-intensive work to technology-intensive work. During the EWC event, just two or three technicians controlled multiple Tail 2 cameras for synchronized recording via OBSBOT Master and the Obsbot Start APP. AI Intelligent Tracking 2.0 stably tracked athletes amid crowd occlusion, complicated lighting and high-speed movements while capturing footage in 4K HDR. Traditional shooting requires one dedicated cameraperson for each camera position. This AI solution slashes labor costs significantly for such scenarios.

(Image source: Official OBSBOT)

Beyond esports tournaments, OBSBOT has established official partnerships with multiple professional esports teams, including Club AG.AL, AL League of Legends roster, AG VALORANT squad and XLG VALORANT squad. Players and coaching staff have integrated OBSBOT devices into daily training and match review workflows.

Visitors are highly likely to see a complete AI imaging solution tailored for esports and live streaming scenarios at OBSBOT’s CJ booth this year. Meanwhile, the booming AI camera sector is poised to reshape the entire video production workflow. Fewer manpower and lower time costs are required throughout shooting and post-production processes.

AI Fully Embeds Daily Life: From Physical Space to Digital Realm

6. Automotive Robots Enter the Market at Accelerated Speed; Enterprises Race to Realize Practical Application

Compared with previous years, far more manufacturers focusing on smart mobility and robotics will attend this year’s CJ. BYD brings its full brand lineup to the expo, showcasing IP-themed Itasha vehicles alongside a brand-new in-cabin entertainment zone, where attendees can sit inside the cars to play video games. First Drive Technology exhibits its self-developed Skymotor central intelligent computing brain and the 360° radar protection system; Magic Atom displays its MagicBot Gen1 robot.

Although these three manufacturers target entirely different user groups, they share the same industry trend. In this AI-dominated era, proving the practical implementability of technology outweighs everything else.

(Image source: Official Magic Atom)

Take BYD as an example. The brand believes young car buyers overlap heavily with young gamers. Instead of resorting to conventional sales tactics used at 4S dealerships, BYD lets young people hop into vehicles and play video games. Visitors can truly appreciate the charm of new-energy vehicles only through hands-on experience. First Drive Technology also links esports with smart mobility, as CJ offers the most overlapping audience for its target consumers. As for Magic Atom, live robot demonstrations amid CJ’s massive crowds prove far more persuasive than any promotional video from product launches.

Besides these three brands, numerous peer exhibitors will attend CJ. Whether these companies stand out in their respective fields hinges on consumer willingness to pay.

7. Content Creation & Office Efficiency: AI’s Hidden Battlefield at CJ

Kuaishou remains one of the most high-traffic booths this year. Its on-site activities include live streams hosted by top KOLs and cosplayer challenge sessions. The platform may also unveil new updates on Kling AI. Notably, the newly added Short Drama Innovation Forum at this year’s CJ aligns closely with Kling AI’s technical strengths. Modern video large models have advanced from merely generating visuals to independently crafting complete narratives and cinematic language, bringing tangible benefits to countless content creators. If Kuaishou showcases AI-generated gaming clips and interactive content on-site, it is bound to draw large crowds.

Kingsoft Office attends CJ with similar logic. It recently rolled out Lingxi Professional and WPS Comate, two AI office agents, at WAIC. Lingxi Professional operates independently rather than being embedded in the WPS client. It aims to enable AI-native office workflows: users only need to set overall goals, and the AI retrieves data, runs analyses, and generates documents automatically.

WPS Comate targets enterprise clients and upgrades WPS 365 into an all-in-one AI office platform. Over 100 enterprises participated in beta testing prior to release, covering real-world business sectors including manufacturing and legal services. Kingsoft’s motivation for joining CJ is straightforward: content creators and digital entertainment practitioners constitute key potential users of AI office tools. Compelling product strength will naturally attract plenty of users.

8. Cross-industry Brands Flood In; CJ Is No Longer Merely a Gaming Expo

This year’s exhibitor list features multiple brands seemingly unrelated to gaming events. Baidu Intelligent Cloud operates behind the scenes as an AI infrastructure provider, supplying cloud computing and AI capabilities to most CJ exhibitors. Deli, the well-known stationery brand, sets up its booth in the designer toy and cultural & creative products zone. Deli has ramped up investment in cultural creativity and designer toys in recent years, and CJ visitors match the core consumer group for cultural and creative merchandise perfectly.

Qingxian Intelligence is arguably the most unexpected exhibitor. Its core product is dynamic ergonomic office chairs, which seem irrelevant to digital entertainment. Its core SyncroLink holographic follow-up system uses four connecting rod assemblies to synchronize 60 joints across the neck pillow, backrest, seat cushion and armrests. The chair adjusts its support automatically in response to body movements, solving discomfort caused by prolonged static sitting. For CJ attendees who spend hours sitting before computers or game consoles, a well-designed ergonomic chair greatly enhances comfort.

(Image source: LeiTech photography)

These brands share one thing in common: they have no direct connection to CJ’s traditional core categories, namely games, animation and ACG. Yet their collective presence indicates that CJ has evolved from a niche industrial exhibition into a massive user gateway, transforming from a relatively specialized trade show into an all-encompassing public carnival.

Limited by article length, Xiao Lei cannot review all 900 exhibitors one by one. Nevertheless, it is clear from the above content that visitors used to attend CJ primarily for gaming fun, while nowadays people come to explore all new possibilities empowered by AI.

AI is no longer merely a slogan printed on exhibitors’ display boards; it has become a practical tool adopted by all industries to upgrade their products. Qualcomm interconnects smartphones, PCs, earphones, smart glasses and robots via AI, forming a complete ecosystem within a single exhibition pavilion. Liulian Intelligence brings Agent PC to consumers. MCHOSE does not flaunt its AI adoption rate, but delivers profound data accumulation and algorithm optimization instead.

In addition, CJ itself is undergoing dramatic changes. Previously, mentioning a trip to CJ would immediately make people associate it with video games. Today’s CJ offers far richer experiences: visitors can test interactions between AI smartphones and NPCs, experience running on-device large language models on AI PCs, play games inside smart cockpits, witness robots performing practical work, and even try out dynamic ergonomic chairs. CJ remains the same event in name, yet the experiences available have been completely renewed.

One final reminder: ChinaJoy 2026 will officially kick off on July 31 at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. The Lei Technology reporting team will be stationed on-site throughout the show. Relying on its WeChat official account matrix with 3 million verified followers and top-tier tech & finance IP portfolios across Channels, Douyin and Xiaohongshu, we will deliver exclusive in-depth frontline coverage. See you in Shanghai.

ChinaJoy 2026 grandly opens on July 31 under the theme "Roam Alongside AI".

A total of 900 pan-entertainment exhibitors including Tencent, NetEase, Sony, Qualcomm, MCHOSE and Qingxian jointly stage a spectacular feast for the global entertainment industry.

Empowered by AI, how do hard-tech brands covering terminals, peripherals, robots, display equipment and chips cooperate across industries with the gaming content sector to create brand-new entertainment experiences?

Led by Luo Chao, founder and editor-in-chief, the Lei Technology reporting team for ChinaJoy 2026 is heading to Shanghai to deliver exclusive high-quality coverage. Stay tuned.