When I first arrived at Lenovo's innovation centre in Beijing, I expected to see the usual: rows of laptops, desktop computers, maybe a few advanced servers. That's the Lenovo most people knowâ€"a global leader in personal computing.
After all, this is a company that operates in over 180 countries and regions, has offices in 60 different locations, more than 30 manufacturing facilities, and brings in an annual turnover of 56.9 billion US dollars. It ranked 248th on the Fortune Global 500 list in 2024, and its name is often linked with reliable business laptops or gaming PCs.
But the Lenovo I encountered was far beyond what I imagined. It felt like stepping into the future. Behind the familiar brand is a powerhouse of innovation driven by over ten thousand engineers, scientists, and researchers. The company runs 18 global research and development bases and has recently established four new AI innovation centers. And what they're building goes way beyond laptops.
One of the most surprising things I saw was Lenovo's smart car project. This is not just a carâ€"it's a moving intelligent system. The vehicle is designed with smart, transparent windows that do more than just let you look outside.
As you drive past a building, you can tap on the window, and information about that building pops up instantly. Want a picture with it? The car lets you take one without ever stepping outside. It's fully autonomous and equipped with AI services, a computing platform, display sensors, an entertainment system, intelligent solutions, and an advanced automotive operating system. It combines hardware and software in ways that make the entire experience smarter and more interactive.
Then there's Lenovo's Age Computing Empower smart branch platform, which is changing how banks and service branches operate. Traditional strategies can't keep up with the current pace of technology. Lenovo's solution integrates AI with cloud and edge computing to enable unified management.
In places with multiple branches, the system can analyse video and image data in real time, producing insights for monitoring, marketing, analysis, and even customer care. It's all handled by a single system that also tackles network latency and data security. It can run multiple AI models at once, including computer vision, natural language processing, and video rendering, all supported by multiple cameras.
Another innovation I saw was the Daystar Bot GS. Despite its name, it's a six-legged robot. Unlike wheeled or four-legged robots, this one is built for tough terrain. Its design allows it to move smoothly and steadily in rough environments. It can carry up to 80 kilograms and operate at speeds of up to 1.6 meters per second, though 1 meter per second is ideal for stable performance.
It's 102 by 72 by 60 centimetres in size and weighs 68.5 kilograms. It's equipped with LIDAR sensors and PTZ payloads, and has an IP66 protection rating, meaning it can function in harsh conditions. The robot runs on a 1 kWh lithium-ion battery, charges fully in three hours, and reaches 70 percent in just 100 minutes with quick charging. It's designed for industries that need smart, mobile data collection systems in challenging environments.
Lenovo is also pushing forward in computing infrastructure. Their ThinkSystem SR9250-V3, powered by 8th and 4th generation Intel Xeon processors, is designed for industries that demand high performance and advanced computing capabilities. It supports heavy digital workloads and represents Lenovo's continued dominance in enterprise-level technology.
Then there's the vision: 'Smarter AI for All.' Lenovo wants artificial intelligence to be accessible, fair, and useful to everyone. Whether in homes, businesses, or public institutions, the company is building systems that are inclusive and easy to use.
One example is their 3D display laptop that lets users control objects on the screen using just their fingertips. You can rotate, move, or examine objects from any angle, all with simple hand gestures. It's more than interactionâ€"it feels like you're shaping the digital world with your hands.
They've also developed 3D and 5D laptops, high-performance gaming devices, and a unique dual-screen laptop that features both a standard display and a second screen where the keyboard usually sits. A physical keyboard can still be attached, offering flexibility for different users.
On top of that, Lenovo is working on automated kitchen systems, smart living rooms, and even AI-powered beds. These innovations are not science fictionâ€"they're real products designed to fit into modern homes and lifestyles.
What I saw at Lenovo's innovation center changed my understanding of what this company truly is. It's not just a laptop brandâ€"it's a technology giant that's reshaping how we interact with the world. Lenovo is building a smarter, more connected future.
Christian Mugisha
