The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia 2016, which kicked off in May 11 in Shanghai, China, is currently showcasing new innovative technologies and products for the Asian consumer technology industry.

These technologies include virtual reality (VR), smart wearable devices, drone technology, robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), self-driving and connected vehicles, 3D printing, and smart home appliances for the Internet of Things (IoT).

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First launched in 2015, this year's CES Asia event has attracted over 300 tech companies, manufacturers, startups and developers from over 20 different countries. Among the exhibitors and participants of the event are tech giants Huawei, Alibaba, Qihoo 360, Haier, JD.com, Midea Group, BMW, Mercedes, Samsung, IBM, LG, Intel and China Mobile, among many others.

According to tech industry expert Jason Low of Canalys, the tech market is currently seeking for the next big trend aside from smartphones and tablets, such as VR and AR technology. Unlike the popular international CES, which takes place in the U.S. and embraces all kinds of technologies, CES Asia "is limited to two types of companies: a company with a well-known brand name or a company with innovative technologies." said Gary Shapiro, who is the President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

It is said that this year's event in Shanghai is larger as compared to last year's show, covering up to approximately 20,000 net square meters of space.

At JD.com's booth, the company's AI and IoT division, JD Smart, has unveiled a new robotics technology for children, a smart luggage called "Bluesmart", a new smart watch and a drone that was designed to be used for making deliveries. Chinese internet security firm Qihoo 360, on the other hand, has launched new smart devices that make use of "machine learning and data analysis", according to Shanghai Daily. These devices include a data recorder for vehicles and a new smart watch designed for children.

Online social networking company Twitter Inc. also made it to the event, announcing its new partnership with Chinese technology company LeEco, formerly known as LeTV. The new partnership aims to help LeEco expand its brand internationally through the use of analytics and new advertising tools. LeEco will be among the first Chinese companies to have access to Twitter's new video-based advertising tool called First View.

Vice President Aliza Knox of Twitter's Online Sales, Asia Pacific and Latin America said, "Twitter has been helping Chinese companies go global for well over a year and we've seen export advertiser adoption grow exponentially. We are pleased to partner with LeEco in their digital transformation journey as a globally recognized brand,"

The CES Asia 2016 is expected to last up to May 13.

TagsCES Asia 2016 Shanghai China, VR Virtual Reality, Smart Wearables, drones, AI Artificial Intelligence, Self-Driving Connected Cars, 3D Printing China, Smart Home Appliances IoT Internet of Things, Robotics, Augmented Reality AR