Happening at the ground floor of the SMX Convention Center, 20–21 October, the 51st Philippine Business Conference and Expo (PBC&E) holds its tech expo featuring the latest innovations of the leading tech companies in the Philippines.

From laptops and tablets to smart phones, companies like Apple, Samsung, Microsoft and more display a wide range of gadgets equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) to aid and improve user experience.

AI now allows for smarter web searching, enhanced sensors and facial recognition, and voice command centers that make technology more accessible and advanced. It used to be that you could access all of the world's information with just one click of a button, but with AI, you don't even need your hands. Just a quick call of "Hey Alexa!" or "Hey Siri!" can allow you to access the internet and your apps.

Among the line-up of gadgets exhibited at the tech expo, Converge's AI-powered robots definitely take the spotlight. Audiences gather in droves, oohing and ahhing, and even laughing in awe and surprise as they interact with the two robots, one human-like in appearance and the other dog-like.

The robot dog definitely earned more than one paw-shake and an affectionate pat on its sleek, metal body. Equipped with both physical and cognitive intelligence modelled after animal behavior, it responds to commands like "sit," "back up," "shake paws," and "stand." Its sensors collect data from its surroundings, and the robot then analyzes the data in order to make decisions and carry out mechanical actions. Converge hopes to further develop the robot dog to support first-responders in crises, allowing for safer retrieval of survivors or for navigating otherwise life-threatening terrain instead of risking human lives. Furthermore, Converge also hopes to see the robot dog as a loyal and effective companion among the disabled and in the military. Currently, it responds to voice commands using specific trigger words and even comes with a sensor that can be worn on its handler's person, allowing it to follow and keep up with its handler's movements.

Meanwhile, the human-like robot stands at more or less three feet tall. It walks on two legs, managing balance and a steady, albeit noisy, gait. It can walk forward and backward, shake hands, give out high-fives, and even initiate hugs when asked. Similar to the robot dog, Converge aims to use this technology to aid in physical labor. Its bigger size makes it a suitable assistant for the elderly and for the physically disabled, providing balance support and help in navigating terrain. It can also lift bags and equipment, although balance and weight capacity is yet to be further improved. It responds to voice commands, understands certain trigger words in order to carry out specific actions and uses its camera to track movement and collect data.

While the two robots are not yet available for sale and public release, Converge hopes that their exhibition in the 51st PBC&E can attract market interest and encourage curiosity and openness toward recent developments in AI and digital technology. The company maintains the expo's advocacy of intergrating technological advancements with human-guided knowledge and wisdom. The robots, while impressive and show limitless potential in the future, do not aim to replace human workers entirely. Rather, they are designed to support humans and preserve human safety and dignity across the workforce and multiple industries.

Visitors can view the robots and other featured technologies at the SMX Convention Center until 21 October 2025.