Science expo offers a glimpse of tomorrow

For those who want to have a glimpse of future technology applications in daily life and get their hands on some fancy gadgets, the 2017 Shanghai Popular Science Products Expo is the place to go.

It will be held from August 25 to 28 at Shanghai Exhibition Center, following the book fair which ends there on Tuesday.

The expo features more than 3,500 latest science products from over 350 tech and cultural companies, scientific institutes and universities, according to the Shanghai Association for Science and Technology.

The exhibitors come from 13 countries and regions, including Russia, the United States and Japan. 

This is also for the first time that the annual expo focuses on artificial intelligence. 

“Compared with professional science exhibitions, we focus more on presenting science and technology to ordinary residents,” said Hu Taorong, deputy secretary general of the expo’s organizing committee. “That’s why we want the exhibits to bring science closer to the audience and staff will help the audience to understand the science and technology behind the exhibits.”

Three robots will be on site to answer questions from visitors and they will also introduce the expo.

Visitors can also take a ride on China’s "first driverless sightseeing car," which will run along a sightseeing route outside the exhibition center.

Driverless cars have attracted huge investments from a number of technology giants. The one featured at the expo is provided by the driverless car pilot zone in Jiading District.

Visitors can enter a simulated cockpit of the C919, China's first home-grown large passenger jet, or learn how Mobike uses big data to operate its shared bikes system.

A series of lectures and workshops will also be held, during which award-winning scientists and top technicians will share their experiences and insights on the latest scientific achievements, innovation, and gender equality in the world of science.