Consumer Electronics Show, 2026

“The Most Powerful Tech Event in the World” 

Welcome to the annual Consumer Electronics Show, a massive global trade event in Las Vegas where tech companies showcase new products, predict trends, and reveal innovations in consumer electronics. This year’s CES, which took place from January 6th to 9th, emphasized implementing artificial intelligence into physical devices, such as robots, home products, and automobiles. The central themes were “Physical AI” and “Affectionate Intelligence,” which focuses on how artificial intelligence can be better adapted to the real world 

One of the biggest announcements this year was “ChatGPT for Physical AI,” which revealed that the AI platform is being converted into a new computing platform (1). In addition, the VHEX Lab unveiled an AI-powered platform designed to support individuals struggling with grief. The platform creates a virtual avatar from a single photograph and then guides users through interactions with a trained XR therapist (2). Finally, a “cyber pet” was launched by a Chinese technology brand called OlloNi. Also powered by AI, the toy is made to feel warm and expressive, rather than like a traditional “stiff” robot (3). 

Other fun highlights from the weekend included a climbing vacuum that sprouts mechanical legs to navigate stairs, and Clicks Technology’s revival of the physical phone keyboard, which clips onto smartphones (4,5). LEGO also debuted LEGO Smart Play, bricks equipped with sensors that detect light and distance to emit sound and lights. The company   collaborated with Star Wars, making all LEGO Smart Play sets Star Wars themed.

Bibliography: 

1. Yamat, Rio, and Shawn Chen. “Highlights from CES 2026, from Autonomous Cars to Paper-Thin TVs.” AP News, 9 Jan. 2026, apnews.com/article/ces-technology-las-vegas-ai-e3de189ee1fe6b26e6a6d2dc6960afda#. 
2. Chen, Shawn. “From Climbing Vacuums to Cyber Pets: Some Highlights of CES 2026.” Wkyc.com, WKYC, 8 Jan. 2026, www.wkyc.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/from-climbing-vacuums-to-cyber-pets-some-highlights-of-ces-2026/616-3854354c-ba06-4f05-8d3e-02664cf499df. 
3. Dixit, Mrigakshi. “New Cyber Pet for Home Companionship Aims to Strengthen Family Bonds.” Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026, interestingengineering.com/ces-2026/ollobot-cyber-pet-for-family-bonds. 
4. Kumar, Ajay. “The Most Futuristic Robot Vacuum Is Here. It Cleans, Hops and Climbs.” CNET, 2026, www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/roborocks-saros-robot-vacuum-with-wheel-legs-ces-2026/. 
5. Dosset, Julian. “Longing for Your Old BlackBerry? This Phone Goes beyond the Hardware Keyboard.” CNET, 2026, www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/clicks-communicator-smartphone-companion-power-keyboard-ces-2026/.