The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas kicked off on Monday, 5th January 2026, with a dazzling array of futuristic technology. As expected, artificial intelligence was embedded in nearly every major announcement, from advanced chips to helpful home robots. The first day saw significant reveals from industry giants and playful innovations that captured the public's imagination.
The AI Arms Race Intensifies
The dominant theme was the push towards "physical AI," a term championed by Nvidia. This concept involves AI models trained in detailed virtual simulations before being deployed into real-world machines. Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, showcased the Cosmos AI model and the Alpamayo model for autonomous driving. He also confirmed full production of the next-generation Vera Rubin AI superchip platform and a new partnership with Siemens.
However, the audience's attention was truly seized by the appearance of two small, chirping robots on stage with Huang, highlighting the public's fascination with embodied AI. Not to be outdone, AMD CEO Lisa Su announced a new line of Ryzen AI processors for PCs and a gaming chip, the Ryzen 7 9850X3D. Intel countered with its new Panther Lake AI chip for laptops and plans for a handheld gaming platform, as the company seeks to regain footing with support from the US government, which now holds a 10% stake.
Gadgets for Play, Home, and Travel
Beyond silicon, several consumer-friendly products generated buzz. Lego unveiled its Lego Smart Play platform, introducing sensor-equipped smart bricks and minifigures that react to light and distance. A new partnership with Star Wars will allow fans to create interactive space battles. In the home, LG Electronics previewed a humanoid robot, CLOiD, designed to handle chores like folding laundry.
The future of transport also took centre stage. Uber, in collaboration with Lucid Motors and Nuro, revealed a luxurious robotaxi featuring a 360-degree sensor suite and a customisable in-cabin experience. Autonomous testing has already begun in San Francisco, aiming for a launch before year's end. Meanwhile, Boston Dynamics demonstrated its Atlas humanoid robot, with a version slated to assemble cars at a Hyundai plant in Georgia, USA, by 2028.
The Lighter Side of Innovation
CES also featured its share of whimsical tech. Lollipop Star introduced a musical lollipop that uses bone conduction technology to play tracks from artists like Ice Spice and Akon as you eat it, priced at $8.99. In the travel sector, Delta Air Lines announced a multi-year partnership with the Las Vegas Sphere, offering SkyMiles members exclusive access to events, starting with a Backstreet Boys residency weekend in February.
The first day of CES 2026 proved that while the underlying engine of innovation is increasingly powered by sophisticated AI and chips, the most memorable products are those that interact with our daily lives in playful, helpful, and sometimes deliciously novel ways.
