Chinese innovators gain global spotlight at CES 2026

Making a strong showing at the CES 2026 preview, Chinese technology companies demonstrated growing confidence and momentum in expanding overseas. From robotic cleaners and smart earbuds to AI-powered translation devices and wearable robotics, Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises used the world's largest consumer electronics show not only to launch new products, but also to signal a deeper shift in their approach to "going global."

For Deng Jingyi, a business manager at Aiper Intelligent, an Atlanta, Georgia-based company known for robotic pool cleaners and smart home devices, CES provided an opportunity to demonstrate how Chinese innovation translates into everyday convenience.

Highlighting the company's AI-powered control systems and self-cleaning technology, she said users can rely on the product with minimal supervision.

"You can throw the cleaner in a pool for a week without worries," Deng told China Daily during the CES Unveiled event on Sunday.

Founded in 2017 in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Aiper has established a US entity focused on import, distribution and marketing, while retaining its manufacturing in China. The company also operates research centers on both sides of the Pacific.

"We're now looking for new partners and global brand expansion, particularly in the US market. We want the world to better understand our ecosystem approach, with an emphasis on marketing strategies, possibly including Walmart," Deng added.

Aiper is one of thousands of Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises riding the wave of overseas expansion. CES, widely regarded as the most influential global technology exhibition, has become a key window into the vitality of Chinese innovation beyond large, well-known tech firms.

Despite their relatively modest scale, many Chinese exhibitors demonstrated strong creativity, fast iteration capabilities and adaptability in niche sectors such as artificial intelligence, general-purpose robotics, augmented and virtual reality, wearable devices and smart home technologies. These companies are increasingly focused on solving specific real-world problems rather than pursuing scale alone.

Olight USA, known for its high-quality portable lighting products such as flashlights, exemplifies another path Chinese brands are taking in the US market.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Olight launched its US operations in 2018 and has since built a loyal customer base through localized marketing and community engagement in the US, while maintaining close ties with its China-based parent company.

"We've been pushing very, very hard into the US market for the past 10 years," said Sean Carey, the company's marketing director.

Olight operates a global business model that integrates localized US operations, e-commerce platforms and extensive use of social media. The company manages Facebook and YouTube accounts with more than 250,000 members and influencers to strengthen brand recognition.

"Our technology is still based in China. Very, very proud, and we're so glad to have built this brand here in the US," Carey said.

Yet expanding overseas is not without challenges. Data security, regulatory compliance and consumer trust remain top concerns, particularly in the US market.

Aaron Wang, vice-president of Viaim, a Chinese earbuds manufacturer, said the company has addressed these concerns by deeply integrating with American technology platforms.

Viaim's AI functions are powered by Microsoft, while data storage is handled through Amazon Web Services, ensuring that user data remains within the US.

"We sell our products mainly in the US right now, and our products are manufactured in China. We cooperate with our business partners in the US by using their technology to serve customers here," Wang said.

He noted that collaboration with American companies is essential, as US consumers are "sensitive" about data privacy and confidentiality.

By working with well-known US technology providers, Viaim has expanded both online and offline sales channels, including Amazon, Walmart, Newegg and eBay, as well as physical retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Walmart and B&H.

AI has also played a critical role in helping Chinese companies localize and scale in North America.

Timekettle, which specializes in AI-powered translation devices, focuses on B2B and government clients in the US market. While its headquarters remain in Shenzhen, the company operates from Plano, Texas.

"This technology is seen as a global leader, particularly in China, due to its fast prototyping, language expertise and high education standards," said Brian Shircliffe, the company's US sales manager, noting that despite the higher cost, the technology's value is best understood through hands-on experience.

Another highlight at CES 2026 was Ascentiz, a robotics company founded in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province that made its global commercial debut by unveiling the final version of its modular exoskeleton system.

"We have developed an advanced AI technology that detects walking patterns and provides assistance through motorized support," said Sean Feng, co-founder of Hangzhou RoboCT Technology Development.

Feng said the product recently raised $2.5 million through a Kickstarter campaign with more than 2,000 backers. The company is now seeking broader industry partnerships and brand exposure in the US, having already set up distributors, warehouses and repair centers.

"We're the leading technology in the world, in fact, every player is in China," Feng added.

Running for four days, CES 2026 showcased the technology trends expected to shape the coming year, including AI-driven intelligent transformation, longevity through advanced health technologies, and innovations in automotive, agriculture and energy.

From autonomous systems and personalized health solutions to robotics and smart infrastructure, the exhibition underscored how technology is becoming more deeply embedded in daily life and industrial systems, a trend in which Chinese innovators are playing an increasingly visible and constructive role.