The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is back, marking the official start of the year's major tech announcements. As the calendar turns firmly to 2026, the Las Vegas event is set to showcase the innovations that companies believe will define the coming year.
AI and Robotics Lead the Charge
Artificial intelligence remains the dominant force, embedded in nearly every product category. Industry leaders including Nvidia's Jensen Huang and AMD CEO Lisa Su will deliver keynotes outlining their latest AI solutions. Lenovo's Yuanqing Yang is also expected to focus heavily on AI during his presentation.
The robotics sector is experiencing a significant surge, with a notable increase in humanoid designs. Korean giant LG will unveil its 'CLOiD' helper bot, designed for household tasks, while Hyundai announces a major push into advanced robotics and manufacturing. The event will also feature extended reality platforms, acting as virtual training grounds for physical AI systems.
In healthcare, AI is tackling specific challenges, from apps targeting individual health habits—like Beyond Medicine's solution for a jaw disorder—to addressing data shortages in areas such as breast milk production.
Scale and Scope of the 2026 Event
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) expects this year's attendance to match the 141,000 attendees from over 150 countries seen in 2025. More than 3,500 exhibitors will fill the Las Vegas convention centre floor, displaying advances in mobility, wearables, gaming, and content creation.
In an interview with The AP, CTA Executive Chair and CEO Gary Shapiro highlighted the key themes. "We're seeing a lot in robotics. More robots and humanoid-looking robots than we've ever had before," he stated. He also emphasised technology's rapid response to healthcare gaps and the growing importance of mobility solutions, from self-driving vehicles to drones.
Beyond the Hype: Energy and Accessibility
While dismissing concerns of an AI bubble—citing the sector's substantial current revenues—Shapiro expressed a more pressing worry: the immense energy required to power AI's growth. In a landmark reveal, a Korean company will showcase the first small-scale nuclear-powered energy creation device at the show, pointing to a critical search for clean, abundant power.
Accessibility is another focal point. Verizon has organised a dedicated stage demonstrating how new technology can assist the disability community and older people, signalling a broader, more inclusive direction for consumer tech.
From AI-augmented creativity in entertainment to specialised robots and breakthrough energy tech, CES 2026 is poised to offer a comprehensive glimpse into a future where intelligent technology becomes further woven into the fabric of daily life.
