Ready for a sneak peek into the AI-powered world of 2026? CMG's latest report drops the top 10 AI trends set to shake up industries, everyday life, and the planet. Buckle up! 🚀
1. Global AI Governance 🌐
As AI becomes part of everything—from the apps on your phone to tackling climate change—APEC members and global partners are teaming up. At the November 2025 APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed a "World AI Cooperation Organization," aiming to make AI benefits shared worldwide.
2. Supercharged Computing Power ⚡
Behind every smart AI is serious computing muscle. Thanks to next-gen chips and the Chinese mainland's "Eastern Data Western Computing" project, clusters of tens of thousands of GPUs are now powering huge AI models. Expect faster, cheaper AI everywhere.
3. AI Agents Go Mainstream 🤖
In 2026, AI agents are moving from general chatbots to specialized problem-solvers. On January 8, 2026, the Chinese government launched a plan to secure core AI tech and roll out 1,000 high-level industrial AI agents by 2027.
4. Multi-Modal Magic ✨
AI isn't just about text anymore. Breakthroughs from homegrown models like DeepSeek are fusing text, images, audio, video, and 3D data. The result? More natural, richer interactions with our digital assistants.
5. AI-Native Devices 📱
Think AI phones, PCs, and XR gear designed from the ground up for AI. In 2025, this hardware exploded, and in 2026, these devices will redefine how we learn, stay healthy, and game.
6. Robots Get Real 🤝
Physical AI and embodied intelligence are merging, leading to robots that learn in the real world. In 2025, the Chinese mainland's embodied intelligence market reached about 5.3 billion yuan, or 27% of the global total. Now, mass-production of smart robots for manufacturing, warehousing, and home care is right around the corner.
7. AI in Science 🔬
"AI for Science" is fast-tracking discoveries. Models now help generate hypotheses, design experiments, and find new drug molecules, pushing breakthroughs across materials, space, and life sciences.
8. Brain-Inspired AI 🧠
Advances in brain science are fueling smarter algorithms. Expect big strides in autonomous driving and health tech as spiking neural networks and neuromorphic computing take off.
9. Green AI 🌱
With data centers booming, energy use is a hot topic. 2026 will see more efficient AI models and green-powered centers striving for a cleaner, sustainable AI future.
10. Safety First 🚨
On September 15, 2025, the Chinese mainland rolled out its AI Safety Governance Framework 2.0. This year, expect tighter ethical, privacy, and security tools to keep AI development on track.
From global governance to eco-friendly computing and smart robots, 2026's AI scene is set to be wild. Which trend excites you the most? Let us know below! 🔥
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
