At the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance, consumer goods giants, including Yili, Unilever, and PepsiCo, unveiled a wave of AI-driven innovations, highlighting how "AI plus consumption" is emerging as a powerful growth engine in China's consumer market.

Yili launches global AI ecosystem

On July 27, leading dairy company Yili Group announced the launch of the Global Smart Chain Ecosystem, the world's first industry alliance focused on integrating AI across the entire industrial chain. The initiative was co-founded with eight domestic and international partners: Xinhua News Agency, Tezign, Amazon, Alibaba Cloud, Tencent, Lenovo, SSG, and Fudan University.

The ecosystem aims to accelerate AI applications in production, supply chain management, and consumer experience, while advancing industry standards, fostering innovation, and supporting professional training. Specifically, within the dairy sector, the ecosystem will focus on AI-driven R&D, talent development, and the creation of industry guidelines for AI adoption.

Unilever showcases "AI for Science"

Global FMCG leader Unilever made its debut as an exhibitor at WAIC this year, participating in multiple AI-focused forums and launching its China-led innovation platform, AI for Science.

The platform integrates AI across the entire R&D pipeline, with six core models supporting everything from ingredient discovery to efficacy validation. Applications include predicting preservative performance, identifying active ingredients, forecasting fabric softening effects, and assessing oral care stimulation levels.

At Unilever's Shanghai R&D Center, the platform is powering initiatives like POND'S anti-aging technology, streamlining molecular screening, efficacy evaluation, and formulation development into a fully integrated AI-powered process.

PepsiCo introduces an AI-powered humanoid robot

PepsiCo continued its tech-forward momentum at WAIC 2025 by unveiling its second humanoid robot, developed in collaboration with AI robotics company Zhiyuan. Powered by Zhiyuan's Lingxi X2 system, the new robot features emotional recognition and contextual decision-making capabilities.

Sporting a sleek electric-blue design, the robot drew crowds with its blend of entertainment and functionality. It engaged attendees through witty conversations, games, and real-time interactions, acting as a charismatic brand ambassador. The robot also provided a glimpse into how emotional intelligence and smart technology are shaping the future of consumer engagement.

From AI ecosystems to intelligent skincare and emotionally aware robots, WAIC 2025 made it clear that AI is no longer just working behind the scenes; it is becoming the driving force behind next-generation consumer innovation.

Source: Shanghai Observer