Las Vegas, with CES 2016, becomes the navel of the technology world. Practically every major hi-tech company on the global stage has made its way here, from telecoms to home appliances, IT and automotive.

The undisputed star of this year is the Internet of Things: forecasts point to over 33 billion connected devices by 2020, a figure three times the total number of connected devices in 2014. Enter futuristic vehicles — connected, intelligent and electric. And 3D printers made from recyclable materials, with no toxic substances. And smart home appliances that are lighter and reduce energy consumption.

Volkswagen Budd-e

The Volkswagen minibus is reborn — electric, smart and connected. In the wake of the Dieselgate scandal, the carmaker is (rightly) betting on long-range electric mobility.

Chevrolet Bolt

The first electric city car with a range of 320 kilometres. The 2017 model has been unveiled; it will go on sale across the United States and has been designed to reach the masses: it will cost 35,000 dollars.

Bosch Simply Connected

An innovative car touchscreen capable of generating different surface textures and allowing drivers to feel the elements on the display: drivers will no longer need to look at the information on the screen to interact with it, and will instead be able to keep their eyes on the road. According to Bosch, the data stream will become a "connected horizon" and will give cars a better picture of what is about to happen, further increasing safety and efficiency.

Mcor Arke

It is the first full-colour desktop 3D printer. This new low-cost model allows users to print their own models using the full colour spectrum. Designed to make 3D printing more accessible, particularly in the world of design and creativity, the new printer emits no harmful particles or toxic chemicals during printing, making it suitable for use in the classroom as well as the office. It is also made from recyclable materials.

Whirlpool Interactive Kitchen

The kitchen of the future according to Whirlpool. It is the "Smart Connected Kitchen Suite", which includes three smart appliances: a fridge, a hob and a dishwasher. The fridge is capable of alerting users in the event of a power cut, while the washer and dryer integrate with the Nest thermostat, recognising when users are away from home and automatically switching to "Eco mode". What's more, it can detect the size of clothing in order to regulate the water flow.

Samsung Family Hub

The ne plus ultra of the smart fridge. Designed for more efficient grocery management, it identifies the foods you need and monitors product expiry dates to reduce waste. Three cameras inside the fridge take a picture every time the door closes. It is also possible to access the images at any time using your smartphone and take a look inside your fridge, so you never forget what you actually need. In short, it does the shopping list for you.

Haiku Home

A system of fans and lights that are activated by a sensor when people are present in the room. The wall sensor communicates wirelessly with the devices and is capable of reducing the light level and fan speed according to the needs of the moment and whether users are present or not.

Hom-Bot Turbo+

This vacuum cleaner features photographic sensors that record images of the surrounding area — including the ceiling — to map the route taken and allow users to keep an eye on the home from wherever they are. The Home-View function transmits real-time information to the owner's smartphone, allowing them to remotely control the Hom-Bot Turbo+ and clean the house anywhere, at any time. The motor is 76 per cent smaller than its predecessors, 65 per cent lighter and 24 per cent more efficient.

Toyota autonomous driving

The Japanese manufacturer is developing a high-precision map-generation system capable of using data from on-board cameras and GPS devices installed on production vehicles. The system is able to read road signs, monitor traffic conditions and assess road characteristics, and runs entirely on the cloud. The goal is to reach 2020 with a system fitted to all models, making driving safer, more efficient and smarter.