CES 2026 is already looking bigger than a typical CES (Consumer Electronics Show) cycle, and the reason is clear. This year, the spotlight isn’t just on flashy concepts or experimental demos. The show is being dominated by technology that actually works in the physical world.
Robots, on-device AI, advanced sensing, autonomy, and the compute stacks powering all of it are taking center stage. With weeks still to go before the event officially begins, enough confirmed and teased announcements have already surfaced to paint a clear picture: CES 2026 is about real systems doing real work.
Let’s break down everything major that’s already been announced.
Hyundai’s AI Robotics Strategy Takes Center Stage
Hyundai Motor Group has officially confirmed it will unveil its AI robotics strategy at CES 2026 with a dedicated media day on January 5th in Las Vegas.
According to Hyundai, the presentation will focus on:
- Human-robot collaboration
- Manufacturing innovation
- Robotics integration across production and logistics systems
This strategy is directly tied to Hyundai’s software-defined factory approach, covering the entire lifecycle of robotics, from development and training to deployment, updates, and management across different environments.
The presentation will be live-streamed, and Hyundai’s CES show floor experience will continue from January 6th to January 9th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Boston Dynamics’ Next-Gen Atlas Makes Its Public Debut
One of the biggest highlights of Hyundai’s CES presence is the public debut of the next-generation Atlas robot from Boston Dynamics.
This will be the first time the new Atlas is shown on a public stage. Hyundai has confirmed:
- Atlas will be featured during the media day presentation
- Live demonstrations will run on the show floor
- Additional robots like Spot and MobED will also be showcased
The booth will include interactive scenarios, a recreation of Hyundai’s robotics research environment, and hourly presentations explaining how these robots operate in real-world settings.
MobED, in particular, is described as a compact mobility platform designed to carry sensors and payloads across uneven terrain using AI-based navigation and perception.
LG Introduces Its First Home Assistance Robot
Moving from factories to homes, LG Electronics has announced its new home robot called CloiD, set to debut publicly at CES 2026.
CloiD features:
- Two articulated arms with multiple degrees of freedom
- Five individually actuated fingers on each hand
- A head module with display, cameras, microphones, speakers, and sensors
The robot runs on LG’s Affectionate Intelligence software layer, designed for:
- Voice interaction
- Contextual awareness
- Task execution
LG positions CloiD as a home assistance robot capable of opening doors and cabinets, handling laundry items, interacting with household objects, and supporting basic daily tasks.
This showcase aligns with LG’s broader CES theme focused on home automation and AI-powered assistance.
Samsung Expands Its AI Living Ecosystem
Samsung is bringing a massive CES presence centered around what it calls its AI Living Ecosystem.
The company is hosting:
- A standalone exhibition space
- Its “First Look 2026” event before the main show floor opens
AI-Powered Kitchen Appliances
One of the headline products is a new Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, featuring:
- Upgraded AI Vision powered by Google Gemini
- Internal cameras to recognize food items
- Inventory tracking and labeled container support
This marks the first time Google Gemini has been integrated into a refrigerator.
Samsung is also introducing:
- A Bespoke AI wine cellar that scans bottles and tracks storage conditions
- AI-powered cooking appliances including an over-the-range microwave and slide-in range
All of these devices are designed to work together as part of a unified AI kitchen ecosystem.
The Rise of MicroRGB Displays
Display technology is another major theme at CES 2026.
Samsung is expanding its MicroRGB TV lineup, introducing multiple screen sizes with updated panels.
LG is also entering the MicroRGB space with its first microRGB televisions, featuring:
- Refresh rates up to 240Hz
- Full RGB stripe structure
- Dynamic frequency and resolution switching
Confirmed screen sizes include 75-inch, 86-inch, and 100-inch models, positioned as premium flagship displays.
NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD Bring the Compute Power
NVIDIA’s CES Keynote
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote on January 5th. The session will cover:
- AI platforms
- Simulation
- Autonomy
- Physical AI systems
Beyond the keynote, NVIDIA will host demonstrations and sessions focused on robotics workflows and physical AI systems.
Intel Panther Lake Processors
Intel is bringing its Panther Lake processors, part of the Core Ultra Series 3, built on the 18-angstrom process.
These chips target:
- AI PCs
- Edge inference
- Improved GPU performance
- Local AI workloads
They’re designed for premium laptops and next-generation AI-enabled devices.
AMD’s CES Presence
AMD CEO Lisa Su is also scheduled for a CES keynote. While full product details haven’t been revealed yet, the session is expected to cover upcoming processors and AI platforms.
Lenovo, Motorola, and the Next Wave of Devices
Lenovo is hosting its Tech World event at the Sphere in Las Vegas, focusing on AI-driven hardware and software systems.
Motorola, owned by Lenovo, has teased a book-style foldable smartphone, hinting at a new form factor different from its existing flip foldables.
Robotics, Sensing, and Physical AI Hardware
Several companies are using CES 2026 to debut new robotics hardware:
- Paxini is introducing its tactile sensing platform for robotic manipulation, featuring real-time grip and force feedback.
- Leopard Imaging is showcasing humanoid-ready perception systems, including stereo and RGB-IR camera setups optimized for low-light and real-time processing.
Consumer Robotics Takes a Big Step Forward
CES 2026 will also feature a wide range of consumer robotics:
- Roborock is expected to reveal new robot vacuum platforms
- Aiper will showcase AI-powered pool cleaning robots
- Robotnik is debuting its modular R2 Pro cleaning robot
- Albot is presenting an AI companion robot designed for interaction
- WI Robotics is unveiling its assistive upper-body robot Alex at CES Unveiled
These products highlight how robotics is moving beyond novelty and into everyday use.
CES 2026: A Turning Point for Physical AI
Robots are leaving labs, AI is running locally on devices, and entire ecosystems are being built around autonomy and real-world interaction.
The only real question left is this:
Which of these announcements represents the true turning point, not the hype, but the one that actually changes everything?
CES 2026 might just give us the answer.
FAQs
1. Why is CES 2026 considered different from previous CES events?
CES 2026 stands out because the focus has shifted from experimental tech to systems that operate in the physical world, including robotics, on-device AI, autonomous machines, and real-world AI deployments.
2. What is Hyundai showcasing at CES 2026?
Hyundai is unveiling its AI robotics strategy, featuring human-robot collaboration, software-defined factories, and the public debut of Boston Dynamics’ next-generation Atlas robot.
3. Are home robots finally becoming practical?
Yes. Companies like LG are showcasing home assistance robots designed to perform real household tasks such as object handling, navigation, and basic daily assistance.
4. What role does AI play in CES 2026 products?
AI is deeply integrated into hardware this year, powering local inference, sensing, decision-making, and autonomy across robots, appliances, PCs, and smart home systems.
5. Which companies are leading the physical AI movement at CES 2026?
Key players include Hyundai, NVIDIA, Samsung, LG, Intel, AMD, Lenovo, and Boston Dynamics, all focusing on AI systems that interact directly with the physical environment.
