Technology showcase draws global attention
CES 2026 is underway in Las Vegas, drawing thousands of attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotels across the city. As the technology industry’s largest annual event, the show is again serving as a launchpad for new products destined for homes, offices and vehicles, alongside experimental concepts unlikely to move beyond the exhibition floor.
Across press conferences and product demos, three themes have clearly dominated discussions this year: artificial intelligence, semiconductors and robotics.
Artificial intelligence permeates the show floor
Artificial intelligence has been the defining feature of CES 2026. AI branding is visible across nearly every category, from televisions and personal computers to smartphones, wearables and even household fixtures. Robots of various forms are moving across show floors, reflecting the growing focus on physical AI.
Major technology companies highlighted new consumer applications. Google outlined plans to integrate its Gemini 3 model into Google TV, enabling natural language content search and AI-powered image editing. Samsung showcased its Galaxy Z Trifold in the United States for the first time, emphasizing built-in AI features, while a wave of AI-enabled wearables underscored the technology’s expanding reach.
Chipmakers unveil next-generation platforms
Semiconductors were at the center of many of the event’s largest announcements. Nvidia introduced its Vera Rubin platform during its January 5 keynote, unveiling six new chips spanning CPUs, GPUs, networking and storage. The company said the platform delivers a tenfold improvement in throughput and a tenfold reduction in AI token costs compared with its previous generation.
Advanced Micro Devices used its own keynote to detail its upcoming Helios rack-scale system and preview next-generation AI chips, positioning the offering directly against Nvidia. Intel highlighted its Core Ultra Series 3 AI PC processors, while Qualcomm presented its Snapdragon X Plus 2 chip, setting up a competitive landscape for AI-powered personal computing.
Robotics moves closer to industrial reality
Robotics was the third major pillar of CES 2026. Chipmakers and automakers alike showcased humanoid robots, robotic arms and autonomous systems designed for industrial and service applications.
Nvidia demonstrated a range of robotic systems, including humanoid assistants and medical simulation robots. AMD introduced a humanoid robot developed with Generative Bionics, while Intel and Qualcomm highlighted partnerships aimed at powering future robotic platforms.
Hyundai and Boston Dynamics outlined plans to mass-produce robots and confirmed that humanoid robots will begin operating in Hyundai factories from 2028, signaling a shift from demonstration to deployment.
From spectacle to strategy
The convergence of AI software, advanced chips and robotics hardware underscored CES 2026’s focus on technologies moving from concept to scalable systems. While many applications remain in early stages, the scale of investment and the breadth of announcements suggest the industry is laying the groundwork for widespread adoption in the coming years.
