The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has once again highlighted the growing dominance of Chinese tech companies, with over 900 firms exhibiting this year – nearly a quarter of all exhibitors. Beyond the typical gadgets, this year’s showcase revealed key trends: aggressive expansion in AI-powered eyewear, unexpected entries into the EV market by established electronics manufacturers, the rapid deployment of autonomous delivery vehicles, and the rise of generative AI video tools.
Smart Glasses: China Takes the Lead
While Meta has sold over 2 million Ray-Ban smart glasses, Chinese AI companies are rapidly innovating in this space. Companies like Rokid are pushing boundaries with AR glasses weighing under 50 grams, offering full-color displays, all-day battery life, and sub-$500 price points.
The key takeaway: Mass adoption hinges on affordability and utility. As Rokid’s general manager, Zoro Shao, points out, Chinese EVs gained traction when they hit 5% market share; smart glasses need a similar breakthrough. Current sales represent less than 1% of the US population, but companies are betting that lower prices (around $200) will drive daily use, despite privacy concerns. Alibaba is also entering the market, though its rollout remains limited.
From Vacuums to EVs: A New Breed of Automakers
Perhaps the most surprising trend: two new EV brands, Nebula Next and Kosmera, emerged with sleek prototypes. Both are linked to Dreame, a major Chinese robot vacuum manufacturer. This isn’t a fluke. Companies like Roborock and Xiaomi are leveraging existing manufacturing expertise to enter the automotive sector.
Why this matters: China’s established supply chains, skilled engineers, and manufacturing ecosystems make EV production relatively accessible. However, success isn’t guaranteed, as evidenced by Apple’s failed car project. The market will inevitably weed out weaker players.
The Rise of Robovans: China Leads in Autonomous Delivery
China is far ahead in autonomous delivery. Neolix dominates the robovan market, with roughly 10,000 units deployed (compared to 2,500 Waymo cars in the US). The company is experiencing exponential growth and expanding into international markets, including the Middle East, East Asia, and Latin America.
The challenge: Navigating US regulations, particularly regarding safety and data security, will be crucial. Neolix understands this, emphasizing the need to work with local partners and cloud providers approved by regulators.
Generative AI Video: The Next Frontier
OpenAI’s Sora has sparked interest in AI-generated video, but Chinese companies like Kling (backed by Kuaishou) are gaining traction. With over 60 million registered users, Kling allows creators to generate viral-ready content at scale. Director Jason Zada recently used Kling to create a 105-minute YouTube video for around $2,500 in token credits, demonstrating the platform’s potential for cost-effective content creation.
The bottom line: China’s tech industry is not just innovating; it’s aggressively expanding into new markets, leveraging its manufacturing prowess and AI capabilities. The convergence of robotics, EVs, and AI is reshaping the tech landscape, with China poised to play a dominant role.
