China Media Group (CMG) dropped a bombshell report on Friday, collaborating with the Electronic Information Industry Development Research Institute under China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Chongguanchun Science City, and top universities. The document outlines 10 pivotal AI trends for 2026, signaling seismic shifts across technology, society, and economy.
First in line: AI governance goes global, with inclusive sharing emerging as a linchpin for world development processes.
Scaling up intelligent computing power follows, ramping up supplies of vital industrial factors to meet surging demands.
AI applications mainstream rapidly, as intelligent agents embed deeply into everyday and enterprise scenarios.
From specialized gear to universal smart allies, AI tech diversifies into multifaceted practical roles.
Hardware for foundational AI devices popularizes, merging next-gen terminals with immersive experiences for next-level consumption.
AI avatars get smarter via physical AI and embodied smarts, forging tighter bonds between robots and the physical world.
Professional domains fragment and intensify, with AI-science fusions like Alpha Science sparking revolutionary basic science wins.
Advanced fields integrate swiftly, propelled by neuromorphic intelligence and interdisciplinary breakthroughs.
Energy issues gain traction, spotlighting green AI for eco-friendly advancement.
Heightened security and conflicts demand ironclad governance as AI’s core safeguard. This forecast isn’t just predictive—it’s a call to action for leaders to harness these trends while mitigating risks.