CES 2026 has opened its doors with a bang; excitement is in the air, and innovation is everywhere. Day One saw a crowd of tens of thousands of creators, engineers, and dreamers gather in Las Vegas for the first time, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. Innovations ranged from advanced AI chips to next-generation robots, foldable technology, and everything in between. We’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible in the realm of innovative technologies.
Below are the biggest takeaways from Day 1 at CES 2026, many of which will leave you with lasting impressions.
Nvidia Gets Physical with “Physical AI”
There are few companies that generate as much buzz at CES as Nvidia does. At the event, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang revealed their aggressive move into a “physical” version of AI, which will provide a new frontier for AI to be able to interact with the environment around them.
This new AI vision of robots being able to interact with the world around us as if they were human and, in essence, being able to learn the human way of thinking allows for much greater flexibility in AI becoming much more of a physical partner rather than simply being an assistant.
This announcement became one of the most popular moments of day 1 at CES, as people started discussing what this would mean for the future of AI.
AMD Expands Its Ryzen AI Lineup
Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, highlighted the first day of CES—using the introduction of the next generation of Ryzen AI processors. Ryzen AI processors are AI-optimized CPUs that will power the next generation of AI-powered personal computers and allow AI to be utilized by users in new ways.
AMD emerged as a leader in utilizing artificial intelligence for everyday use, making it possible for a broad spectrum of users to take advantage of AI technology in everyday applications.
Uber Reenters the Robotaxi Race
The announcement of Uber’s renewed efforts in autonomous vehicles is yet another example of the dramatic increase of technology today. Uber’s partnership to create safe, self-driving transportation options for commuters will change the way many people commute throughout large urban areas; the entire city will grow based on the availability and affordability of self-driving vehicles.
Artificial intelligence is now playing an even greater role in the evolution of urban areas and how we will interact with these areas.
Nvidia and Mercedes Team Up for AI-Powered Vehicles
The collaboration between Nvidia and Mercedes-Benz was one of the highlights of CES 2026 Day 1. As part of this partnership, Nvidia will provide its AI platforms to be integrated into Mercedes’ next-generation vehicles. This includes advances in autonomous driving, predictive safety features, and AI-enhanced infotainment systems for luxury vehicles.
During the event, a prototype of an electric vehicle featuring Nvidia’s Rubin platform displayed real-time navigation by using AI technologies for navigation and safety systems, which allowed participants to see the future of connected mobility.
Overall, this partnership represents an important milestone for establishing vehicles that operate using AI technology and was one of the most discussed topics on CES Day 1.
Hyundai Introduces the Atlas Robot
Hyundai presented a humanoid robotic machine called Atlas that can integrate into industrial and domestic spaces. Designed with advanced mobility and perception capabilities using artificial intelligence, Atlas shows the potential of collaboration between humans and robots in real-world situations.
The demonstration attracted extensive interest and indicated that CES Day 1 represents more than just technology being demonstrated as prototypes; it’s also indicative of technology that will be available in consumers’ everyday lives shortly.
Motorola Debuts Its First Foldable
Motorola has made a comeback with their flagship foldable smartphone. With a unique folding design, high-quality construction, and a host of cutting-edge technology, Motorola’s entry back into the foldable smartphone arena shows how far this legacy brand has come in reinventing itself within the industry.
With this introduction of a foldable device, Motorola demonstrates that established brands can evolve from traditional designs while still maintaining an emphasis on ease of use and design aesthetics equal to those found in modern smartphones.
LEGO Introduces the Smart Brick: Building Meets Intelligence
At CES 2026, LEGO introduced the Smart Brick — a modern twist on its classic toy. Each brick features built-in sensors and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing it to light up, move, or react to touch through a companion app.
The demo at CES 2026 Day 1 showed creations that responded to sound and motion, turning simple builds into interactive experiences. The Smart Brick bridges creativity and technology, showing how even timeless toys can evolve with AI innovation.
Samsung Unveils the Galaxy Z TriFold
Samsung provided a stunning view of its Galaxy Z TriFold phone, which can unfold three times in order to make it either a tablet or a mini laptop. It demonstrates what is possible with flexible displays (an exciting innovation) and mobile computing.
The TriFold stood out at CES 2026 because it captures imaginations and reflects Samsung’s excellence in engineering.
read our in-depth review of Galaxy Z TriFold
A Robot That Does Your Chores
Godrej has revealed its first household robot, the Godrej Robotic Organizer (GRO), during its first CES appearance in 2026. The GRO will assist you in making your life easier through AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based automation of tasks such as cleaning, organizing, and light cooking.
On the first day of CES 2026, GODREJ presented the GRO for the first time. During this presentation, we witnessed how it could identify and collect clutter, fold laundry, and move around and through your home with great organization.
The GRO represents Godrej’s entrance into the worldwide home robotics market for AI and combines impressive utility with an approachable, attractive design. It is an example of how Godrej is leveraging its long-standing reputation for innovation in homes with cutting-edge technology.
The Return of BlackBerry
In a surprising twist, BlackBerry returned—not as a smartphone maker, but as a leader in cybersecurity and IoT. With AI-powered enterprise solutions, the brand is reinventing itself for a connected, security-conscious world.
This pivot proves that innovation isn’t only about new gadgets; it’s about rethinking how legacy brands can remain relevant in the AI era.
From physical AI and humanoid robots to foldable phones and autonomous taxis, CES 2026 Day 1 showed that the future is already here. The first day confirmed that technology isn’t just evolving; it’s blending seamlessly into all aspects of life.
With so many breakthroughs on display, the coming days of CES 2026 promise even more excitement and transformative innovation. Stay tuned for more updates as the event continues to unfold.
