The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off the tech calendar in style, as CES 2025 in Las Vegas became a focal point for innovation last week. This year saw record-breaking participation from Chinese companies, with nearly 1,500 exhibitors from Greater China—including Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan—making up over 30% of total participants. This marks an increase of nearly 300 companies compared to CES 2024.
The event buzzed with innovations across robotics, autonomous vehicles, smart home devices, and more, organized into themed zones. A standout among these was the exhibit led by XbotPark, a robotics incubator spearheaded by professor Li Zexiang. Home to numerous startups with significant funding and sales milestones, XbotPark presented companies poised for global expansion.
Among its highlights was LiberLive’s C1, a stringless guitar launched in April 2023, which has since dominated its niche. Similarly, Lymow’s robotic lawn mower made waves after raising USD 3.8 million through crowdfunding. Overall, nearly 40 companies affiliated with XbotPark participated in CES 2025, with six innovations identified by 36Kr as standout performers based on sales, crowdfunding success, and audience engagement.
1. LiberLive’s C1: A game-changer for amateur musicians
LiberLive’s C1, said to be the world’s first stringless guitar, simplifies music-making for singing and strumming enthusiasts. Priced at USD 499, it features modular chord pads, a pick design for traditional gestures, and MicroDAW sampling synthesis technology that adjusts chords dynamically. Paired with an app offering interactive sheet music and LED guidance, the C1 enables users to play songs without prior music knowledge.
By November 2024, the C1 had become the bestselling musical instrument on major Chinese e-commerce platforms and the global leader in its category. Recognized as an official recommendation at CES 2025, it set a high bar for user-friendly musical technology.
2. Lymow One: Crowdfunding’s robotic lawn hero
Priced at USD 1,999, the Lymow One robotic lawn mower has set a new benchmark in its category. It holds the record as the highest-funded product in its segment and ranks fourth in overall crowdfunding for 2024.
The Lymow One is equipped with visual, real-time kinetic positioning (RTK), and inertial navigation technologies. Its dual-blade system with brushless motors ensures efficient mowing, even on dense grass and uneven surfaces. The adaptive cutting deck, debris prevention mechanisms, and high-powered suction fan enhance its versatility.
Powered by a 15-amp-hour battery, the Lymow One covers 0.57 acres—or about 2,300 square meters—per charge, and up to 1.73 acres (7,000 square meters) daily. Tank-like tracks enable it to tackle slopes of up to 45 degrees and navigate obstacles as high as two inches. Its IPX6 waterproof rating and built-in rain sensors protect both the robot and the lawn, as it automatically returns to its charging station during rain.
3. TangibleFuture’s Looi Robot: The desktop companion with AI-driven charm
The Looi Robot, launched by TangibleFuture, combines smartphone integration with artificial intelligence. The desktop companion is said to support over 1,200 behaviors and self-learning capabilities, delivering interactive emotional responses that evolve with the user.
At the heart of its design is a biomimetic behavior system that simulates the “perceive-decide-act” cycle of intelligent organisms, resulting in lifelike interactions. Over time, the robot learns user patterns and adapts its personality, emotional responses, and expressions to align with their habits.
Since debuting on Kickstarter in February 2024, the Looi Robot has garnered significant attention. Priced at USD 129, it sold more than 4,000 units during its campaign and has transitioned to broader market availability.
4. Matrix Innovation’s flexible pressure sensors: Versatile, durable, and scalable
Matrix Innovation’s flexible pressure sensors are designed for a wide range of applications, from smart mattresses and robotic hands to adult products. These sensors prioritize specific requirements like softness and breathability for mattresses, or compact and customizable shapes for robotics.
Featuring corrosion resistance and mechanical durability, these sensors can withstand environments up to 220 degrees Celsius and 80 bar of pressure. With an IP67 rating and a thickness of just 0.1 millimeters, they integrate seamlessly with flat, curved, or irregular surfaces.
Since production began in June 2023, Matrix Innovation has shipped over 100,000 units, meeting the needs of industries including consumer electronics, smart homes, automotives, and robotics.
5. Vizta’s smart telescope: Making stargazing accessible for all
The Vizta smart telescope, developed by Xingshi Technology, addresses the limitations of traditional astrophotography equipment by offering an affordable and compact alternative. Weighing just 390 grams, the Vizta telescope is portable enough for travel and pairs easily with smartphones.
For around USD 240, users can mount the Vizta telescope on a tripod, attach their smartphone, and begin exploring the night sky. Available on Kickstarter and Indiegogo, the device has raised over USD 230,000 to date, bringing stargazing to beginners, students, and hobbyists alike.
6. Lissome’s portable dishwasher: Compact design, versatile functionality
Lissome’s portable dishwasher combines washing, drying, disinfecting, and storage in a sleek, space-saving form. Its vertical spray arms and patented vortex spray technology deliver 360-degree cleaning, supported by an AI-powered dirt detection system.
After washing, the dishwasher uses high-temperature ultraviolet and ozone sterilization to eliminate bacteria. A brushless integrated water pump and precise field-oriented motion control algorithm enable flexible cleaning modes—including spot, variable-speed, and cross-cleaning—completing a cycle in just 15 minutes.
Inspired by CPU designs, the dishwasher features a narrow, front-opening door for space efficiency and an integrated water tank for plug-and-play convenience, eliminating the need for complex installations. It has raised USD 350,000 via crowdfunding, demonstrating strong consumer demand for this innovative appliance.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This article was written by Hu Yiting for 36Kr.