High tech is front and center nowadays. China is encouraging the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as electronic gadgets are becoming increasingly smart and the sector is in need of new growth engines. It is in this context that the China Information Technology Expo (CITE) has been showcasing robots, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in South China's Shenzhen this week.

"More efforts are needed to boost the research and development of biometric recognition, human-machine interaction and other cutting-edge technologies which can push the growth of the electronic information industry," said Liu Lihua, vice-minister of industry and information technology, at the event.

In this largest IT expo in Asia, an education robot has stolen the show. According to its creator, "This robot is able to communicate with people. There is a 3D camera with visual tracking function, so it can follow you around in shopping malls and lobbies."

AR and VR are also hot topics. Software allowing customers to experience from all angles what it is like to sit in a car has caught a lot of attention.

"The software can be used to assist sales in car dealerships. It can be used on mobile phones when salespeople visit clients on site," the exhibitor said.

The three-day CITE is set to conclude on Tuesday evening. This year's exhibition also set up a section to support innovation and entrepreneurs with a need for fundraising.