As the dust settles on CES 2026 in Las Vegas (January 6-9), this year’s show solidified AI’s dominance while delivering practical innovations in robotics, mobility, displays, and health tech. With over 4,500 exhibitors and record Innovation Award submissions, CES proved once again why it’s the global epicenter of consumer technology.
I spent the week on the ground for VFutureMedia.com, navigating packed halls, hands-on demos, and star-studded keynotes. The overarching vibe? AI evolving from hype to “affectionate intelligence” (as LG phrased it) – tech that’s intuitive, helpful, and deeply integrated into daily life. Here’s the full CES 2026 recap, from opening keynotes to closing awards, plus my personal takeaways.
Pre-Show and Opening Keynotes: AI Sets the Tone
CES kicked off strong with pre-events and keynotes emphasizing “physical AI” and real-world applications.
- AMD Keynote (January 5): Dr. Lisa Su opened CES with “AI Everywhere, For Everyone.” Highlights included Ryzen AI 400 Series processors for laptops/desktops, enterprise Epyc chips, and partnerships (e.g., OpenAI’s Greg Brockman). Su predicted AI users surging from 1B to 5B in five years.
- Nvidia Keynote (January 5): Jensen Huang unveiled Vera Rubin architecture (early production), focusing on AI infrastructure, robotics, and autonomous vehicles. Rubin promises massive leaps in speed/efficiency over Blackwell.
- Siemens & Nvidia Partnership (January 6): Roland Busch and Huang announced an Industrial AI Operating System and Digital Twin Composer for manufacturing.
- Lenovo Tech World at Sphere (January 6): Immersive event with new ThinkPads, Motorola Razr Fold, and AI platform Lenovo Qira. Guest appearances from Nvidia, Intel, and AMD CEOs.
LG’s theme “Innovation in Tune with You” embodied “Affectionate Intelligence” – AI that anticipates needs empathetically, seen in their CLOiD robot and Zero Labor Home vision.
Daily Highlights: From Robots to Rollables
Day 1 (January 6): Show Floor Opens – Robots and Mobility Steal the Spotlight
Crowds surged for humanoid robots and home assistants:
- LG CLOiD: Life-size robot folding laundry, cooking basics, coordinating appliances.
- Boston Dynamics + Google DeepMind: Gemini AI integration for Atlas humanoid.
- Lego Smart Brick: Proximity-sensing blocks revolutionizing play (50-year update).
- Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Hands-on with the innovative folding phone.
Trends: Stair-climbing robo-vacs, AI companions combating loneliness.
Day 2 (January 7): Computing and Displays Dominate
Chip wars heated up:
- Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake): Massive graphics gains for laptops.
- AMD Ryzen Updates: Gaming-focused advancements.
- Asus Zenbook Duo: Refined dual-screen with better efficiency.
- TV Breakthroughs: Micro RGB TVs (Samsung/Hisense), ultra-thin wallpaper OLEDs (LG).
Weird gems: Bone-conduction lollipops, holographic AI companions.
Day 3-4 (January 8-9): Health, Sustainability, and Quirky Closes
Final days focused on wellness and oddities:
- Health Tech Boom: Longevity mirrors, allergen detectors, smart toilets.
- Sustainable Innovations: Modular laptops (Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon), efficient power systems.
- Mobility: Hyundai/Sony Honda Afeela updates, autonomous tech.
Closing buzz: Razer Project AVA (holographic anime companion), vibrating knives, transformable headphones.
Best of CES 2026 Awards: The Winners That Defined the Show
CNET Group (CNET, ZDNET, Mashable, PCMag, Lifehacker) deliberated hours to crown winners from thousands of entries.
Best Overall: Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold – Ultimate phone-tablet hybrid.
Key Category Winners:
- Best AI: Nvidia Rubin platform.
- Best Laptop: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 14 Aura Edition (modular design).
- Best Age Tech: Tombot Jennie (robotic therapy pup).
- Best Sustainability: Luba 3 AWD robotic mower.
- Best Future Tech: Lego Smart Bricks.
Other standouts: Asus Zenbook Duo (dual-screen evolution), Bosch vacuums challenging Dyson.
Major Trends and Broader Impacts
Dominant Themes:
- AI in Everything: From “physical AI” (Nvidia) to affectionate agents (LG) – focus on edge computing, privacy, real utility.
- Robotics Renaissance: Humanoids (Atlas, CLOiD), home helpers, industrial bots.
- Display Revolution: Micro RGB, rollables, wireless/thin OLEDs.
- Health & Longevity: Preventive tech invading homes (mirrors, toilets, wearables).
- Sustainability & Modularity: Repairable devices reducing e-waste.
- Mobility & Autonomy: AI-driven vehicles, in-cabin experiences.
Benefits:
- Enhanced productivity/resilience (AI PCs, backups).
- Better quality of life (emotional companions, health insights).
- Environmental gains (efficient energy, circular designs).
Challenges:
- Privacy/ethics in intimate AI.
- High costs limiting accessibility.
- Overhype vs. real delivery.
Expert quote (Jensen Huang): AI infrastructure demands are “skyrocketing” – Rubin addresses this head-on.
Personal Takeaways: Why CES 2026 Felt Grounded Yet Visionary
Unlike past AI-heavy shows, 2026 balanced ambition with practicality. Robots aren’t just demos – they’re folding laundry today. Folding phones like Samsung’s TriFold feel ready for prime time. Lego’s Smart Brick reminded us tech should spark joy.
The “Innovation in Tune with You” ethos (echoed across LG/Samsung) signals maturity: Tech serving humans, not vice versa. Exciting for 2026? Widespread AI agents, modular everything, humanoid helpers entering homes.
For deeper dives:
FAQ: CES 2026 Essentials
What was the theme of CES 2026? LG popularized “Innovation in Tune with You,” emphasizing empathetic, user-centric AI – a sentiment echoed industry-wide.
Who won Best of CES 2026? Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold took Best Overall; full list on CNET.
What were the biggest announcements? Nvidia Vera Rubin, AMD Ryzen AI 400, Intel Panther Lake, LG CLOiD robot, Lego Smart Brick.
When is CES 2027? Likely early January – stay tuned!
Is CES worth attending? Absolutely for insiders; virtual recaps like this for everyone else.
What stood out most to you from CES 2026 summary – the tri-fold phone, robots, or AI leaps? Share in comments, tag friends, and subscribe to VFutureMedia.com for year-round coverage of AI, EVs, robotics, and emerging tech. See you at CES 2027!
By Ethan Brooks, Tech Journalist at VFutureMedia.com
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