In January, the focus of the technology community is on Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which has been called “a turning point” for the industry. CES 2026 will be no different from previous years in that it will continue the pattern of bringing new and innovative technologies into our homes but will have a much more personal relationship with consumers through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and robots that will help us in our daily lives. Therefore, CES 2026 is going to offer many new products, as well as a new way to look at how technology can fit into our daily lives. It has become a time when innovation becomes a part of our lives, and it is a time to celebrate it.
So, what exactly should you expect from CES 2026? Let’s dive in.
Artificial Intelligence Everywhere at CES 2026
It’s becoming apparent how much artificial intelligence (AI) will shape our physical world through a deeper integration into physical products as well as a greater ability to operate independently with minimal guidance. While AI has been primarily utilized as a software service, its development is transitioning into hardware integration, including the development of appliances, electronics and consumer goods that will enhance our lives by being able to react intuitively to our needs and preferences based on information collected from us and our environment.
The growth of on-device (or “edge”) AI is expected to be among the most important advancements seen in 2-3 years. On-device AI technology allows devices to process data and make decisions without sending data to the cloud for additional processing, resulting in much quicker response times, privacy and, ultimately, greater flexibility of use. Additionally, with growth in agent-based AI systems, we expect to see a dramatic change in how individuals will interact with AI. Previously, users interacted with AI through a command-driven interface. With the introduction of agent-based AI, users will have the ability to benefit from more fluid and informal interactions with AI, making it feel less like an assistant and more like an integrated part of their daily lives.
The Rise of Practical Humanoid Robots
Robotic displays were the highlight of CES for many years but were often prototypes or experimental. CES is expected to change that in 2026.
Humanoid robots capable of folding laundry, preparing basic dishes, cleaning up after messy household jobs and helping older adults will be a major draw at CES. Instead of just being demonstration pieces at CES in 2026, robots will be marketed on their real-world applications and usefulness—particularly in home, medical, and assisted living types of environments.
On a personal level, I think robotics in the home will have the largest impact for the consumer audience. Many people feel that robotics in the home will be much closer to daily life than we might have thought previously and will have a much larger influence on daily home life and the day-to-day routines of people.
Next-Generation TVs and Display Technology
For many years, the display category has always been a staple of CES, and CES 2026 will continue that tradition with many innovative advancements.
Micro RGB LED displays, the evolution of OLED technology, and large ultra-bright displays for an immersive home entertainment experience will all be seen at CES 2026. New display technologies, such as transparent and flexible displays, will introduce new ways to incorporate displays into our homes.
What sets CES 2026 apart is the use of artificial intelligence technology to customize television viewing experiences for individual users by automatically adding different picture settings, making content recommendations, and manually setting sound profiles for them based on who is viewing the television.
Smarter Homes with Context-Aware Devices
With the development of thousands of new devices expected in 2026 at the annual CES event in Las Vegas, the smart home is evolving into something easier to control, utilising a single centralised control system for home automation which will be based around context awareness. Home appliances and systems will continually learn from user behaviours, trends, habits, schedules and preferences. These types of technology examples will include:
- Smart Fridge – Watches the users’ use of food over weeks (an interactive shopping list is also expected).
- Smart Oven – Provides recipe suggestions based on previous meals prepared by the user.
- Smart Washing Machines – Can optimise wash cycles automatically without user intervention.
Connected Ecosystem vs Individual Products
The idea is to have a connected ecosystem, where many smart devices work together to improve user experience rather than relying on individual products to do so. For many people, this has been the ‘actual’ smart home they have been waiting for.
Advanced Wearables and Health Tech
Wearables at CES 2026 will move away from counting steps, as companies develop smart rings, AI glasses, and advanced monitoring equipment for each person to receive real-time wellness reports rather than a pile of data. This technology will allow users to receive a quick, easy understanding of their health while also providing trend tracking without overwhelming them. CES 2026 is also expected to feature a number of health technology products that focus on the needs of the disabled and will highlight how technology can actually enhance quality of life as opposed to just providing a convenience.
Robotics Beyond the Home
The focus of CES 2026 will be beyond the home and on new applications for robotics.
Robots for logistics, mobility, and industrial settings will be present at CES 2026 and include all-terrain robots, delivery robots, and “business automation” systems that utilize AI and other advanced sensing technologies to demonstrate the ability of robotics to work in real-world conditions.
The expansion of robotics into the business world shows how CES 2026 connects technology to the larger social good.
AI-Centric Computing and Chipsets
Powerful computing capabilities are behind every smart device, and CES 2026 will feature a wide range of new processes built specifically for AI. Laptop, PC and consumer electronics manufacturers will showcase new processors optimized for AI-only workloads.
Edge computing chips will allow for high levels of processing speed while requiring low amounts of power.
CES 2026 will highlight and demonstrate how the PC industry is growing to meet the demands of a world where AI is driving the future.
Automotive, Electric Vehicle, and In-Vehicle Technology
Automotive technology has been established at CES in recent years, and the 2026 edition of CES will continue to build on that. Look for AI in-vehicle assistants and increased dashboard intelligence, as well as more personalised and individualised digital experiences within your vehicles. Electric vehicles will continue to play a large part, along with intelligent forms of mobility and autonomous vehicles. As we can see, all of these advancements in transportation will be part of a larger digital ecosystem.
Experimental Smartphones and Foldable Devices
Smartphones have not been the highlight of CES in recent years; however, the 2026 edition will include foldable prototypes of mobile device screens. Trifold phones and other new designs will be previewed, giving a glimpse at where mobile device technologies might go in the future, as they continue to enhance multitasking, flexibility, and usability, rather than rely solely on raw specifications.
Fun and Flexible Future Technologies
The unexpected has always been a key characteristic of CES, and in this regard the 2026 edition will be no exception. The types of products featured at CES, such as AI-enhanced toothbrushes, pet wearables, and other lifestyle items, exist to stimulate creativity and thinking out of the box. There will be products at the show that will likely never find a place on store shelves, but they will provide opportunities to imagine future possibilities.
Ultimately, these are some of the most enjoyable aspects of the CES experience in 2026.
For readers who want to explore CES 2026 in even more detail, it’s worth checking insights from trusted technology sources and official industry platforms. Reputable tech publications, brand announcements, and the official CES website regularly share updates on product launches, keynote highlights, and emerging trends. Check out our full coverage of CES 2026 at InsiderXP—trends, analysis, and what the biggest announcements mean for tech and consumers.
If you want a closer look at everything NVIDIA unveiled, don’t miss our in-depth NVIDIA CES 2026 breakdown.
