The Sphero BB-9 robot is displayed at a PowerUP media event. [Photo/JD.com]

Established in August 2014, JD Smart works as a smart hardware eco-system provider that augmented its business strategy in establishing a closed-loop industrial chain for hardware startups, investors and early adopters.

During the International Consumer Electric Show (CES) held in Las Vegas on Jan 7, JD Smart entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with US audio-equipment company Harman to launch a voice-activated wireless Bluetooth speaker named JBL Go Smart.

With surging market potential and purchasing power, non-price-sensitive Chinese early adopters have attracted more attention from Silicon Valley.

According to Beijing-based iResearch Consulting Group, sales revenue of China's smart hardware will reach 42.4 billion yuan ($6.43 billion), and volume will witness a fast growth in the coming three years. By 2018, it will reach 90.9 billion yuan in total.