In front of the coffee shop jointly owned by Zhang Yuan'an and X Zhifang, Angelina from Ukraine was taking freshly made coffee from the machine shop manager Aibao, and the exhaustion of the day was swept away. This coffee cart, which debuted on June 30th, is equipped with an Alpha Brain embodied large model. The robot can autonomously perceive complex environments, easily handle daily interactions and coffee making work, allowing citizens to taste fragrant coffee while also feeling the warmth of AI.
At Zhangyuan, tourist Angelina from Ukraine interacts with coffee shop robot "store manager" Aibao, photographed by Wu Xuezhou
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) will kick off tomorrow, and in Shanghai, artificial intelligence is quietly integrating into every aspect of citizens' lives in the most down-to-earth way possible.
Looking up at the sky, Shanghai's meteorological system has transformed from broadcasting to "intelligent prediction" under a large model. The global meteorological model "Fuxi" jointly developed by Shanghai Institute of Scientific Intelligence and Fudan University, among other institutions, analyzes satellite remote sensing data in real-time and predicts the trend of weather changes. The "Rain Master" large model developed by the Shanghai Meteorological Bureau has increased the resolution of severe convective warning from 3 kilometers to 1 kilometer, and extended the warning advance from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, accurately locating streets and towns that are about to rain. Behind every accurate weather forecast is the deep learning and deduction of massive meteorological data by artificial intelligence.
AI weather forecasting model "Rain Master" source: Shanghai Meteorological Bureau
Looking down at the road, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau Traffic Management Team has developed and put into practical use the "Traffic Congestion Control Model" to quickly clear congestion and ensure smooth travel during peak hours. The large model is based on the "EasyPASS" system, which "sees" the real-time situation through high-definition cameras at intersections. In just a few seconds, it can identify abnormal congestion situations and adjust signal light control strategies. By the end of 2025, the congestion control model has been applied at 360 intersections in the city, with an average speed increase of 12.9%. By the end of October this year, it is expected to complete the system deployment of over 1800 intersections.
The Traffic Management Team of Shanghai Public Security Bureau uses the "Traffic Congestion Control Model" to control congestion. Source: Police Civilian Direct Train Shanghai
Strolling through the streets of Shanghai again. Entering the West Coast Model Speed Space, the beautiful and melodious sound of AI string less guitar quietly resounds. Model Speed Space is an important showcase of Shanghai's AI ecosystem, gathering over 500 cutting-edge AI terminals from around the world and offering a variety of interactive experience projects for visitors.
Approaching the opening of the World Artificial Intelligence Conference, there has been a significant increase in passenger flow in the experience space. Tourists wear AI eyes to experience a hands-free photography and video recording experience; Some tourists also have intimate interactions with AI pets, experiencing the decompression and healing brought by technology.
More tourists gathered around the big head of the robotic dog. This cute pet machine can transmit real-time images to mobile phones through remote control, providing new possibilities for the care of the elderly and children in the future.
The AI black technology experience space in the west bank model speed space, citizens are experiencing AI musical instruments, photographed by Yang Yuhe, an intern at Xinmin Evening News
The AI black technology experience space displayed in the West Coast Model Speed Space showcases the emotional companionship of AI machines and cute pets. Photo by Yang Yuhe, intern at Xinmin Evening News
From a cup of coffee brewed by a robot hand to a precise weather warning; From a thought-provoking traffic light to an immersive AI interactive experience, artificial intelligence in Shanghai is no longer just a concept in exhibition halls, but a daily routine on the streets and alleys. This is a microcosm of the AI ecosystem in Shanghai in 2026. The World Artificial Intelligence Conference is not just an industry event, but more like a festival with the participation of the whole nation.
In 2018, when the first World Artificial Intelligence Conference was held in Shanghai, there were only 183 large-scale artificial intelligence enterprises with an industry scale of approximately 134 billion yuan. By 2025, the industrial scale of 394 large-scale AI enterprises in Shanghai will reach 637 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 39.5%, forming a complete industrial ecosystem covering large models, AI chips, intelligent robots, and computing infrastructure.
Behind these developments, the annual World Artificial Intelligence Conference has become the core window for the outside world to observe the iteration of China's AI industry and global intelligent technology innovation; It is also an opportunity to witness miracles, build consensus and mutual trust platforms, and co create an integrated future.
Citizens purchase goods at the Go robot shop in Xuhui Binjiang, photographed by Wu Xuezhou, a reporter from Xinmin Evening News
In the evening, on the Xuhui Riverside Trail, a mother carrying her child arrived at SenseMart Go robot store launched by SenseMart. A steaming hot sausage was steadily handed out from the robot's hand. The wind by the river disperses the heat waves in the air, which is just a daily scene for this' AI era indigenous' He didn't know that this scene was actually the 'future has come' that many people had hoped for.
Intern Yang Yuhe
Xinmin Evening News reporter Wu Xuezhou
Source: Xinmin Evening News Author: Yang Yuhe, Wu Xuezhou