36Kr Research: 2026 China Smart Hardware Industry Development Report
Tencent
According to a report by 36Kr Research, China's smart hardware industry has entered the AI-native early stage. By March 2026, 80.8% of consumers have purchased or used AI-related hardware. Edge AI chips, lightweight large models, and multi-sensor fusion drive local autonomous intelligence, reducing reliance on cloud computing. The industry faces challenges like fragmented competition and data security. The report covers industry evolution, value chain reconstruction, and globalization trends.
36Kr Research released the '2026 China Smart Hardware Industry Development Report'. Survey data from Tencent Research in March 2026 shows 80.8% of domestic consumers have bought or used at least one AI-related hardware product, with 32% planning to increase spending in the next three months. Breakthroughs in edge AI chips, lightweight large models, and multi-sensor fusion enable smart hardware to reduce reliance on cloud computing and enhance local autonomous perception, decision-making, and iteration. However, challenges include intensified fragmented competition, supply chain cost pressure, insufficient large-scale scenario deployment, and stricter data security compliance. The report outlines four trends: transition from scene interconnection to AI-native intelligence; upstream and downstream optimization from component customization to value-added services; expansion of consumer and industrial terminals with smart robots as a new growth category; and overseas expansion shifting from low-cost OEM to globalized AI solution providers.
- Сокращения
- OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer — Оригинальный производитель оборудования
Source: 36Kr —
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