AI Photo: VCG

Robots brewing coffee in parks, and drones zipping through the air to deliver packages - "AI+ consumption" is no longer a distant vision but a reality embedded in everyday life, transforming how people work and live. By bringing a futuristic touch to our daily life, artificial intelligence (AI) is unleashing the vast potential of consumption and driving the Chinese economy's high-quality growth in the new era.

China has recently issued a plan outlining special initiatives to boost domestic consumption, proposing 30 specific measures across eight key areas, including advancing "AI+ consumption" to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies such as autonomous driving, smart wearables, ultra-high-definition video, brain-computer interface, robotics and additive manufacturing, paving the way for a jump in the consumer market.

Since the start of 2025, "AI+ consumption" has become the buzzword. The rise of large-scale AI models, such as DeepSeek's AI models, is reshaping consumption patterns, with smart assistants, AI-powered passenger vehicles and elderly-care robots emerging as new consumption patterns.

AI-driven assistants, for instance, not only help users access information but also optimize decision-making processes, serving as indispensable tools in scientific research, education, and many other areas. In the retail sector, AI-powered recommendation agents could precisely match consumer preferences, enhancing shopping efficiency and user experience.

Consumers can access more personalized products, which in turn will drive more tailored production, creating a positive feedback loop.

Liu Gang Photo: Courtesy of Liu Gang

In entertainment and services, large-scale AI models are now driving significant changes. For instance, AI-powered chatbots have become valuable tools for language learning and companionship, particularly benefiting the elderly and children. Additionally, AI-integrated smart devices, such as home robots and health monitoring systems, are becoming increasingly popular.

Beyond end-user consumption, AI is driving transformations in manufacturing and logistics too. Industrial AI models accelerate the development of smart manufacturing, making production processes more efficient. For example, embodied intelligent robots can quickly interpret and execute complex tasks, enabling manufacturing units to become more autonomous, compact and cost-effective.

In warehousing and logistics, AI significantly enhances efficiency. Dynamic inventory management allows for more flexible storage, while intelligent systems accurately identify and allocate stock, minimizing waste. Meanwhile, autonomous driving technology is advancing smart logistics, with unmanned delivery vehicles and drones revolutionizing urban distribution by offering faster, safer and more efficient solutions.

Cultural tourism and education are also experiencing a revival brought by AI. AI-powered virtual museums and immersive cultural experiences enable users to explore historical sites from anywhere, enhancing cultural engagement and interactivity.

The rapid rise of DeepSeek has sparked the market's imagination, showcasing AI's potential to drive new business models and consumption trends while unlocking growth opportunities in traditional industries.

Consumption is both a key driver of economic growth and a reflection of people's pursuit of a better life. Boosting consumption is essential to expanding domestic demand, and "AI+ consumption" is a key pathway to achieving it.

From a technological standpoint, AI, as a core driver of the latest industrial revolution, is speeding up the intelligent upgrade of the consumer sector. On the market side, as AI advances, its applications in consumption offer vast potential and are poised to be a key force in market expansion. Embracing the "AI + consumption" wave will be essential for businesses across different sectors to achieve sustainable development.

To fully unlock the potential of "AI+ consumption," strong policy support is essential. While large enterprises play a leading role in AI innovation and commercialization, small and medium-sized businesses require greater policy assistance to facilitate fast technological adoption and expansion.

Governments are suggested to strengthen innovation ecosystem by fostering collaboration between industry and academia, increasing investment in AI talent development, and providing financial and policy support to drive widespread AI applications. By reinforcing policy guidance and technological advancement, AI-driven consumption can expand into broader sectors and enable the public to benefit more from the cutting-edge technology.

The author is chief economist at the Chinese Institute of New Generation AI Development Strategies. bizopinion@globaltimes.com.cn