An Italian artist's immersive AI experience in China's Greater Bay Area

After exploring how AI empowers art in China, Italian artist Matteo Montani found himself equally drawn to another question: How is AI reshaping our daily lives?

To satisfy this curiosity, he visited InnoEX in Hong Kong, where a vivid spectacle unfolded before him: kung fu robots moving with martial grace, a 3D-modeling device for painters, robots dancing and playing instruments, lifelike robotic pets, and drones hovering like dragonflies overhead. The entire exhibition hall felt like a futuristic bazaar, suspended between reality and imagination.

Eager to delve deeper into robotics and beyond, Montani headed to the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park (HKSTP). Hilda Chan, chief marketing officer of HKSTP, met him there and explained: "HKSTP has different programs, hardwares, world-class infrastructures and also soft power connection, to nurture startups to grow."

During his visit, Montani explored conceptual prototypes and paused to admire the intricate 3D-printed marine structures on display. He also met Mario Nuzzolese, Co-founder and Head of Asia of D-shape, who was at the park and shared his thoughts: "Hong Kong is a global launchpad, because it is at the heart of the Greater Bay Area, and the GBA is the most innovative corridor in the world, because it offers access to talent, research and manufacturing capability. And don't forget, Shenzhen is the factory of the world."

Arriving in Shenzhen, Montani visited the World First Robot 6S Store, where Kris Fan, the store's overseas market manager, welcomed him. "The front side is a store, and the back side is a manufacturer," Fan explained.

A robot barista made Montani a coffee, and he experienced a robot-administered Chinese massage. He also put on a walking-assist device and took slow, floating steps. The sense of weightlessness made him exclaim, "It seems like walking on the moon."

Montani's AI journey across the Greater Bay Area inspired him deeply.

"In the Greater Bay Area, where everything is developing in such an amazing way, it's really changing my idea, my mindset, opening my perspective," Montani said. He paused, then added firmly: "Now I can say that I can work with it. I really could."

Intern Xiang Zhihan also contributed to this article.