The 138th China Import and Export Fair, commonly known as the Canton Fair, recently took place from October 15 to 19, 2025, in Guangzhou, China. This biennial event has positioned itself at the forefront of the global manufacturing transformation and remains a pivotal platform for showcasing emerging technologies that drive industrial development.
This year, exhibitors unveiled a range of innovative products tailored to modern manufacturing needs, including CNC systems, robotics, industrial IoT applications, and intelligent production lines. These advancements not only accelerate the integration of automation but also align with sustainability goals, marking a significant evolution in the production capabilities across various sectors.
One notable exhibitor, specializing in packaging automation, highlighted their latest collaborative palletizing robot. This technology addresses the logistic industry's "last-mile" challenges by automating the final stages of packaging and transport, ensuring product safety while minimizing manual handling risks. The company emphasizes that their patented technologies enable unparalleled productivity, allowing clients to expand operations economically while reducing costs. Their integrated box formation and sealing machines transform a single sheet of cardboard into a fully packaged box, considerably cutting labor costs and enhancing efficiency. According to the company’s sales director, these innovative solutions have sparked increased interest, particularly in Southeast Asian markets, where manufacturers seek cost-effective strategies to grow amidst dynamic commercial landscapes.
Another prominent exhibitor focused on cleaning solutions presented an array of products that reflect the sector's technological innovation and business model adaptations. Their photovoltaic cleaning robot, equipped with artificial vision and adaptive cleaning technology, effectively detects dirt and snow on solar panels, boosting energy conversion efficiency by over 15%. Additionally, a new system incorporates massage functionalities and sensors designed to enhance dairy production by 8%, ultimately supporting animal welfare in agriculture. The solutions are tailored to meet the needs of Brazilian and Australian livestock markets, with the company’s supply chain director noting that face-to-face interactions at the Canton Fair significantly deepen their understanding of customer needs and global market expansion.
Digitalization in traditional manufacturing processes drew significant attention during the event. An exhibitor from Fujian showcased an upgraded industrial equipment management platform that integrates AI collaboration tools. Their 5G industrial routers, widely utilized in smart factories, connect production lines, PLCs, robots, and sensors to cloud systems with millisecond latency. As stated by the company’s regional manager, these innovations have allowed industrial clients to enhance equipment connectivity by nearly 30% and reduce downtime by approximately 40%. The exhibitor’s digital factory model exemplifies how emerging technologies can optimize production efficiency, facilitate predictive maintenance, and support sustainable industrial growth.
The focus of the Canton Fair on industrial automation underscores China’s increasingly vital role in advancing the global manufacturing ecosystem. As exhibitors continue to enhance technological performance and system integrations, the fair illustrates how innovation-driven productivity is transforming industrial competitiveness and accelerating the transition toward smarter, sustainable, and resilient production worldwide.
To register for the 138th Canton Fair, follow this link:
Canton Fair Registration.