A FIRE-FIGHTING robot is one of the fascinating glimpses into the technological future at this year's China International Industry Fair.

The five-day exhibition, which starts today, showcases technology and innovation expected to be commonplace in 15 years.

Scientific and technological inventions include robots, advanced water treatment processes and automatic household systems.

There is a prototype of a fire-fighting robot that is expected to be used extensively at World Expo 2010.

The robot can patrol and climb slopes. Its sensors can detect obstacles and measure temperatures and radiation levels. Its "sense of direction" comes from a global positioning system (GPS).

During the Expo period (May to October, 2010), these robots will be used for fire control within the site.

Another highlight at the fair is the "united factory" which exhibits what organizers hail as the world's most advanced office and household equipment.

"What visitors can experience here is expected to happen in 15 years," said Hu Jun, general manager of Shanghai Zhangjiang Leapideas Multimedia, one of the companies involved in the exhibition.

Hu and his colleagues displayed sensor-based projections for both office and household activities.

A projection system is manipulated by infrared sensors and casts video pictures on a meeting table. People seated at the table can view the content through small screens mounted on the surface.

They can also manipulate the content or communicate with others at the meeting with simple hand movements.

A key exhibit in the hall is a new voice-sensitive device which could serve people after receiving verbal commands.

There is a mobile phone which can follow users' phonetic instructions to easily find telephone numbers, names and other information.

Hu said these devices were already being used by his company to serve staff food and beverages.

The fair also displays fuel cell-powered vehicles, solar power reception facilities, water cleaning equipment and a bicycle powered by liquefied petroleum gas.