CES 2026: Future tech and innovation in Las Vegas
We can expect to see new breakthroughs in robotics and AI.
This is the time of year where engineers and manufacturers announce the technology trends that will shape the future. We prepare to kick off the year by attending one of the most iconic tech events to learn about cutting-edge developments for AI, robotics, mobility, health, manufacturing, and more. It’s time to talk about what we can expect to see at CES 2026.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the largest global tech trade shows, runs from January 6 to 9 in Las Vegas. In 2026, the main themes will be the pervasive integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into everyday devices, the latest advancements in urban mobility from autonomous vehicles to the most futuristic robotics, and innovations in digital health and sustainability.
Some of the new technologies we can expect to be unveiled at CES match and support the tech trends I saw in November at the Slush founder-focused conference for tech startups and VCs—signaling consistency in the current state and next-gen in technology developments. CES has a focus on consumer electronics, and every year, many new devices go on sale shortly after the show to satisfy early adopters.
Some of the tracks that we’ll see at CES 2026 include:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) everywhere
Just like at every other major tech event last year and this year, AI will be the central theme at CES 2026. We will see AI embedded into everything, from smart home appliances that are able to manage groceries, to laptops and large TVs. Key players such as NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Arm, and Qualcomm will showcase new processors (CPUs, GPUs, and NPUs) designed to enable faster, more efficient on-device AI experiences.
Advanced mobility and vehicle technology
The West Hall of CES will showcase the future of transportation, including connected and autonomous/self-driving vehicles, advanced air mobility such as delivery drones and air taxis, and in-vehicle experiences.
Live outdoor demos are expected so attendees can get firsthand experience of technologies that will become mainstream soon. These demos will focus on safety features, sensor fusion including 4D imaging radar and adaptive LiDAR, and how Western automakers plan to compete with Chinese ultra-advanced EV makers.
Swedish automaker Volvo is scheduled to give a keynote at CES 2026. During the Sony Honda Mobility Exhibit, the companies will unveil the pre-production of the Afeela 1 EV, featuring smart navigation powered by AI, 40 sensors (including 18 cameras, 1 LiDAR, 9 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors inside and outside the vehicle), and Afeela Personal Agent. It is expected to go on sale in California in 2026, starting from $89,900.
Robotics
From 2026 onwards, we can expect mass production and adoption of AI-embedded robots with practical applications for the home, as well as in the healthcare, military, space, and industrial sectors. We can expect to see more capable humanoid robots, advanced robot vacuums with new functions such as robotic arms, and even robotic bartenders ready to prepare the cocktails at your next party or business event. The K-Humanoid Alliance will host a dedicated pavilion showcasing South Korean advancements in the fields of robotics and AI.
Digital health and wearables
The digital health segment will quickly expand. We can expect to see AI-enhanced wearables such as advanced smartwatches, smart rings, and smart glasses for health monitoring from companies including Samsung, Withings, and Ultrahuman. New sensor technologies, such as in-ear EEG sensors and hormone detectors, will be on display along with AI-powered health analysis tools and exoskeletons designed to enhance human movement.
Smart homes, smart cities, and sustainability
In this area, the focus will shift from individual smart devices to integrated ecosystems. Products from different brands will communicate seamlessly using standards like Matter, an open-source connectivity standard for smart home devices. Energy efficiency and sustainability will be major themes in 2026, showcasing innovations in smart home energy systems and off-grid living solutions.
Next-gen displays
We can expect broader adoption of OLED technology in laptops, monitors, and tablets, with a push for higher refresh rates of up to 500Hz+ for gaming and hi-def video. Companies will show off concept and improved prototype foldable, rollable, and dual-screen devices, along with improvements in brightness and color accuracy for large-screen TVs. We have seen similar displays at previous events for several years already, so the new prototypes are expected to show significant advancements compared to previous ones.
Personal computers
At CES, consumer electronics giants such as Samsung, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus, HP, and MSI among others will feature their new laptops which will come with excellent battery life, ultra-thin and ultra-light models, and with better graphics performance.
What’s new at CES 2026
CES 2026 will feature a new Manufacturing conference track and an Accessibility Stage. Keynote speakers from major companies including NVIDIA, AMD, Bosch, McKinsley, and Walmart are expected to attend.
During a keynote speech at CES, Siemens President and CEO Roland Busch is going to reveal AI-powered industrial tech stack and applications for the AI era. Siemens is developing AI, digital twin, and automation technology for real-world impact in a new era of AI-ready manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation where the real and digital worlds are combined in order to transform the everyday. “AI and digital twins will revolutionize industrial environments, streamlining design, planning, engineering, operations, and maintenance,” said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA in a press release.
CES Foundry, featuring two stages of immersive discussion, will bring together the startups, investors, and innovators that will define the future of AI and quantum computing, powering breakthroughs in health, mobility, robotics, retail, and entertainment.
All in all, CES 2026 promises to be yet another exciting experience with great keynotes and surprising, hands-on demos, which are always one of the most anticipated activities at these events.
