CES 2026: The year AI got physical
From robotics to industrial tech, CES 2026 highlights how AI is stepping out of our screens and into the real world.
CES returned to Las Vegas last week, bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and enthusiasts all in one place to explore what’s coming next in the world of tech. This year’s event was notable, not for flashy concepts, but for innovations already making an impact on day-to-day life.
Our B2B Tech PR expert, Katherine Skidmore, reflects on the key trends and highlights defining the week.
AI beyond the screen
Artificial intelligence dominated this year’s CES, but not just the generative chatbot variety. The buzzword of the week was “physical AI”, meaning AI embedded directly into devices that interact with the real world – think everything from household robots to autonomous vehicles.
Nvidia’s keynote, one of the most anticipated sessions, centred on this topic. The company showcased advanced AI models trained with physics-based synthetic data and designed for real-world action, as well as new infrastructure to support these systems.
Industry heavyweights including Intel, AMD, Samsung and LG reinforced this theme by emphasising AI-integrated chips, smart devices and household platforms that adapt and act on behalf of users.
So, what’s the common thread? AI is increasingly about enhancing human potential, not replacing it. It’s helping people do their jobs more efficiently and make smarter decisions, all while creating experiences that feel genuinely useful rather than just “cool”. AI is truly ubiquitous.
Robots doing real work
Remember Robosapien’s dinosaur friend, Roboraptor, from the early 2000s? It had some semblance of autonomy, multiple sensors, and the ability to interact with its surroundings. Younger me was impressed.
Robots have evolved beyond novelties (or a fun way to scare your siblings). Instead, CES 2026 put them in practical contexts with exhibits featuring robots built for logistics, home assistance, mobility and industrial workflows. On the show floor, attendees could see machines navigating real spaces, scaling staircases and integrating advanced spatial memory.
While none were remotely dinosaur-shaped, playful humanoid robots were drawing crowds. The advancement in technology positions them now not as futuristic toys but as purposeful industrial partners geared toward automation in warehousing and manufacturing.
Tech that fits everyday life
In addition to industrial and enterprise technologies, CES featured tech designed to fit naturally into people’s daily routines. Connected homes are getting smarter without being needy – lights that dim and brighten on their own, thermostats that learn your quirks, and security systems that can tell the difference between the dog, a delivery person, and you.
Wearable tech also had a bit of a glow-up. Health-focused devices feel more purposeful, quietly keeping tabs on the metrics you care about to deliver deeper wellness insights and personalised health feedback. They’re also coming in much sleeker designs.
In the spotlight, automotive technology shone in ways that made sense for actual drivers. Cars can talk to our phones, our homes, and even themselves, using AI to help with safety and decision-making in real-time. Smarter batteries, lighter materials and software updates take these rides from futuristic to practical, responsible and surprisingly intuitive.
Sustainability and practical innovation were also front and centre. Brands are thinking more about how devices impact both people and the planet, and about designing tech that improves the everyday naturally without getting in the way.
Recap of keynotes, corporate themes and big moments
CES 2026 wasn’t just one big demonstration of the most innovative devices: it was a stage for industry-leading voices:
- Nvidia’s opening keynote set the tone for AI infrastructure and physical intelligence.
- Caterpillar’s presentation reframed the heavy-equipment maker as a technology innovator with its Cat AI Assistant for conversational machine interaction on job sites.
- Samsung Tech Forums explored open ecosystems and AI across smart homes.
- Panels on gaming accessibility, IP expansion in gaming, and women leaders in tech demonstrated how entertainment and inclusion were part of the week’s dialogue.
Looking ahead
CES 2026 reminds us why this event continues to set the agenda for the year ahead. More than a showcase of the latest gadgets and shiny prototypes, it’s about understanding the conversations and connections shaping the future. Technology is evolving fast, but it’s the human context that gives it purpose.
Photo credits: The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®.