Hong Kong Electronics Fairs Attract 60,000 Global Buyers as AI and Robotics Take Center Stage

The 45th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 28th electronicAsia concluded successfully, attracting approximately 60,000 buyers from 142 countries and regions to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The four-day concurrent events demonstrated Hong Kong's position as a crucial international sourcing platform, with increased buyer participation from Spain, Japan, Brazil and Australia compared to the previous year. The fairs aligned with Hong Kong's strategic focus on artificial intelligence development, featuring dedicated zones for AI and Robotics Technology, Digital Entertainment, and the Silver Economy.

An independent survey commissioned by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council revealed significant industry trends, with 44% of respondents exploring or integrating generative AI technology into their operations. The most common applications included product design and development (60%), customer service and support (40%), and marketing and advertising (35%). Industry professionals expressed strong optimism about growth prospects in emerging markets, rating the Middle East (77%), Korea (70%), India (69%) and ASEAN countries (69%) as having promising potential over the next two years.

The events featured more than 3,200 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions, with the HKTDC organizing 120 buyer delegations from 61 countries. Notable global corporations in attendance included Mondial from Brazil, Reichelt Elektronik GmbH from Germany, and Dewalt Mobile Solutions from the United States. The fair introduced a new RoboPark activity zone hosting over 30 live robot demonstrations from companies such as Unitree Robotics and Booster Robotics, while exhibitor Ascentiz launched the world's first modular exoskeleton designed to enhance mobility for elderly and physically impaired individuals.

Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized the fairs' role in business transformation and market exploration amid global trade uncertainties. Leading Chinese mainland tech companies showcased their latest innovations, including robotics products from Deep Robotics and BrainCo from Hangzhou's Six Little Dragons and DIGIT, PaXini and LimX from Shenzhen's Eight Great Guardians of Embodied Intelligence. Several startups and technology companies reported successful product launches and connections with international buyers and investors.

Xiangru Nie, Co-founder of PaXini Technology, noted that through the fair they secured procurement intentions with robotics companies from Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and the Philippines, while also attracting attention from high-end manufacturing sectors in Europe and the United States. The total value of intended orders was expected to exceed tens of millions of renminbi. Elijah Yu, International Sales Manager of Shanghai Hi-dolphin Robot Technology Co., Ltd, reported securing an onsite order for 10 COFE+ Robot Coffee Kiosks totaling US$450,000 from a Turkish client, plus establishing 200 promising leads with buyers from Thailand, the United States and other regions.

International participation highlighted the global appeal of the Hong Kong platform. Michael Obrecht, Director of Canadian precision electronic measurement tools provider Siborg Systems Inc, stated that participating in electronicAsia allowed them to connect with potential buyers from at least eight different countries and regions. Global buyers demonstrated strong interest in emerging technologies, with Hanafiah Yussof, Founder & CEO of Malaysian service robotics company Robopreneur Sdn. Bhd., expecting to spend around US$2 million annually after meeting suppliers from the mainland, Europe and Japan.

The organizer hosted more than 100 engaging activities, forums and showcases during the exhibitions, including the 10th Symposium on Innovation and Technology and seminars on AI-powered monitoring and smart inspection in construction. E-commerce trends were also addressed through sessions featuring platforms including JD.com and Lazada from the mainland and Pepita Group from Hungary. Business-matching services and the Click2Match smart business matching platform under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model facilitated continued online negotiations until October 23.