As the holiday season fades, the tech and AI landscape gears up for the highly anticipated 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), set to take place in Las Vegas from January 6. This year, the event promises to spotlight artificial intelligence (AI) more than ever, highlighting innovations across a diverse range of technologies. Central to this year’s showcase will be Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s keynote address, which is expected to focus on advancements in AI GPUs for gaming laptops and PCs, along with local AI workstations like Spark.
Anticipation is building as the vast array of exhibits primarily centers on AI, extending from large language models (LLMs) to humanoid robots, next-generation televisions, smart home technologies, and self-driving vehicles. The Verge outlines a buffet of innovations to expect at CES 2026, including a plethora of laptops, smart home devices, and a significant push towards AI integration across products.
Laptops remain a staple of CES, with major brands set to unveil new models featuring groundbreaking AI chips. Noteworthy among these are Intel’s Panther Lake, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2, and AMD’s anticipated “Gorgon Point” processors. Each of these new chips is expected to enhance performance and efficiency, particularly in applications like Microsoft Copilot. The CES show floor will likely also feature conceptual laptop designs, sparking imagination around form factors such as rollables and foldables.
AI-driven robots will be hard to miss, marking a significant shift in the smart home sphere. From advanced vacuum cleaners to sophisticated humanoid robots, CES 2026 is set to showcase the foremost innovations in home robotics. While full humanoid helpers may not yet be a reality, advancements in computer vision signal a bright future for robotic assistance in everyday tasks.
Furthermore, the integration of AI in home security technologies promises to enhance the functionality of surveillance cameras and smart locks, which are poised to become cornerstone devices in creating a fully integrated smart home environment. Enhanced AI capabilities are expected to allow for smarter surveillance, with security cameras transitioning from mere observers to active participants in home automation.
Gaming culture will also be a focal point, particularly with smaller, Linux-based gaming devices such as the Valve Steam Machine gaining traction against traditional Windows-powered setups. Each year, CES contributes to the ongoing evolution of television technology, seen this year in the projected explosion of RGB LED TV models from various manufacturers, along with expectations for more accessible pricing in the forthcoming year.
In the smartphone arena, CES will feature some innovative designs, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Trifold, marking a continued evolution in mobile technology away from conventional phones. The spotlight on wearables and AI devices remains strong as well, with developments in smart glasses and health tech expected to take center stage.
As CES 2026 approaches, there is a palpable excitement around the potential breakthroughs in AI technology that could reshape various sectors, from consumer electronics to home automation. This year’s show is indicative of a pivot in the tech industry where AI applications are set to play an increasingly central role in everyday life. The exploration of these advances begun at CES will continue to unfold as industry leaders and innovators reveal their contributions throughout the week.