The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, better known as IFA, has drawn in plenty of famous faces over the years. In 1930, the opening speech was given by none other than Albert Einstein.
In the past, the first fully electric TV camera was introduced here, as well as early home audio equipment.
A hologram of Albert Einstein at the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin. /CGTN
IFA has always been synonymous with innovation, from the earliest radio transmitters to the compact audio cassette. Remember them? Well, they were unveiled here in 1963. That obsession with innovation continues to this day – and Chinese firms have taken up that baton in the world of consumer tech.
Attendees gather at the Messe Berlin convention centre. /CGTN
Drone and audiovisual manufacturer DJI is here showing off its latest drone for selfie filming. The firm's Senior Communication Manager Olivier Mondon told CGTN the industry is moving forward at a blistering pace.
"We see technology innovations are growing at a pace that is just really amazing at this point," he said. "DJI is only 15 years old when you think about it. And our first consumer product was in 2013. It's not so long ago, and we're very proud to be part of this legacy of innovations, of technology that is here, showcased at IFA."
DJI's senior communication manager, Olivier Mondon. /CGTN
AI is the big talking point at this year's event, as years of development filter through to the consumer.
"All of the AI investment that's been happening over the past couple of years is slowly starting to make its way into consumers hands and into enterprise," said Kane McKenna, tech analyst at CCS Insight.
"I think one thing that's really noticeable is the change in how effectively companies are communicating the use cases of AI. We've gone from being told what the features will be to having live demos, seeing things on stands and getting hands on with these technologies.”
The Roborock from Beijing in action. /CGTN
One of those firms showing the public how AI can help at home is Roborock from Beijing. Their robot vacuum cleaners use the latest artificial intelligence to carry out tasks.
Michelle Newburgh, the U.S. PR Manager for Roborock, says the firm has plenty of plans in the pipeline. "The market is unlimited in the respect that there are so many opportunities. Robots could maybe in the future climb stairs. They're going to be able to tell you where everything is in the house. The future is endless," she said.
IFA has come a long way from tech with vacuum tubes to AI-powered vacuum cleaners. One thing is for certain: Chinese manufacturers are committed to being at the forefront of future developments in consumer tech.
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