What to expect from CES 2026, the annual show of all things tech?

CES 2026 Spotlights AI Integration Across Industries, Humanoid Robots

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) returns to Las Vegas this week, offering a glimpse into the technological innovations that will shape our lives in the coming years. After the New Year celebrations, technology enthusiasts and industry professionals are gathering for the multi-day event organized by the Consumer Technology Association, which showcases advancements across robotics, healthcare, transportation, wearables, and gaming.

Artificial intelligence continues to dominate the landscape, embedded in nearly every product category on display. Industry leaders are making their presence felt, with Nvidia’s Jensen Huang scheduled to present the company’s latest productivity solutions, while AMD CEO Lisa Su will deliver a keynote outlining her vision for future AI developments. Lenovo’s CEO Yuanqing Yang is also expected to highlight AI innovations in his address.

The healthcare sector is receiving particular attention this year, with AI applications focusing on changing individual health habits to treat specific conditions. Among the innovations are Beyond Medicine’s prescription app targeting a particular jaw disorder and new technologies addressing data shortages in areas such as breast milk production.

Domestic robots are taking center stage at the 2026 event. Korean technology giant LG has announced it will unveil “CLOiD,” a helper bot designed to handle various household tasks. Meanwhile, Hyundai is making a significant push into robotics and manufacturing advancements. Extended reality, serving as a virtual training environment for robots and physical AI, is generating considerable buzz among attendees.

Last year’s CES attracted more than 141,000 attendees from over 150 countries, regions, and territories. Organizers anticipate similar numbers for this year’s show, with more than 3,500 exhibitors showcasing their products and innovations across the expansive exhibition floor.

In a recent interview, CTA Executive Chair and CEO Gary Shapiro discussed the main themes of CES 2026. “We’re seeing a lot in robotics—more robots and humanoid-looking robots than we’ve ever had before,” Shapiro noted. “We also see longevity in health, there’s a lot of focus on that. All sorts of wearable devices for almost every part of the body. Technology is answering healthcare’s gaps very quickly.”

Mobility innovations extend beyond self-driving vehicles to include boats, drones, and other transportation methods. Content creation tools remain a significant focus area as well, with AI increasingly playing a vital role in creative processes.

When asked if 2026 is the year humanoid robots will finally enter people’s homes, Shapiro responded that the technology is already present but with varying degrees of effectiveness. “When we talk about CES 5, 10, 15, 20 years now, we’re going to see an even larger range of humanoid robots,” he predicted. He referenced last year’s standout product—a lifelike robotic dog that offered companionship and affection for those seeking such interaction.

Beyond humanoid robots, the industry is seeing considerable specialization in robot development tailored to specific functions, with robots capable of performing tasks beyond human capabilities.

Regarding AI’s role in entertainment, Shapiro believes the future lies in hybrid approaches. “AI is the future of creativity,” he stated. “The human mind is so unique that you definitely get new ideas that way. I think the future is more of a hybrid approach, where content creators are working with AI to craft variations on a theme or to better monetize what they have to a broader audience.”

This year’s show includes a special focus on the disability community, with Verizon hosting a dedicated area showcasing technologies designed to assist people with disabilities and older adults.

Addressing concerns about a potential AI bubble, Shapiro distinguished today’s situation from the late 1990s internet bubble. “These AI companies have significant revenues today, and companies are investing in it,” he explained. His primary concern lies not with market valuations but with energy requirements for AI processing. The show will feature a Korean company presenting the first small-scale nuclear-powered energy creation device, highlighting the industry’s push toward solving energy challenges with clean solutions.

As CES 2026 unfolds this week, it promises to offer valuable insights into how technology will continue to transform our daily lives, businesses, and society as a whole.