Gree's Chip Revolution: From Appliances to AI Companions

Walking through Gree's exhibition space at AWE 2026, you'd be forgiven for doing a double-take. Among the expected refrigerators and air conditioners sat something unexpected - fingernail-sized chips that represent the company's boldest bet yet on the future of smart homes.

The Brain Behind the Brawn

Gree's new EAi chips aren't just another component - they're giving household appliances what Dong Mingzhu calls "true AI love." These self-developed processors enable devices to do more than follow commands; they learn preferences, anticipate needs, and adjust settings before you even realize you're uncomfortable.

"Our goal was never just to make appliances smarter," explained a Gree engineer at the demonstration. "We wanted to create home companions that understand you better than you understand yourself."

From Skepticism to Success

The numbers tell a compelling story:

• 8 million+ EAi chips shipped
• 200 million industrial MCU chips in circulation

These figures silence early critics who doubted Gree's ability to transition from appliance maker to chip developer. What began as a controversial side project has become central to the company's strategy.

Beyond the Living Room

Gree's ambitions extend far beyond home appliances. At the press conference, executives showcased:

• Industrial automation systems powered by their chips
• Smart city infrastructure solutions
• Energy management platforms for commercial buildings

The common thread? All run on Gree's proprietary silicon, reducing reliance on external suppliers while improving performance.

The Future Feels Like Home

As I tested one of the new prototype refrigerators, it subtly adjusted cooling levels based on my usage patterns - no buttons pressed, no voice commands given. It just... knew. This quiet revolution in appliance intelligence might be Gree's most significant innovation yet.

The question isn't whether our homes will get smarter, but whether we're ready for appliances that know us better than we know ourselves.

Key Points:

• Market Impact: Gree's chip success challenges traditional semiconductor companies in the appliance space
• Technology Leap: EAi chips enable true proactive service rather than simple command response
• Strategic Shift: From overcoming supply chain bottlenecks to creating an entire smart ecosystem