The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas marked a significant industry pivot from software-centric AI to “physical AI,” where artificial intelligence is embedded directly into hardware. This trend was the dominant theme, with major tech firms showcasing robots, intelligent vehicles, and smart devices capable of interacting with the real world. The shift underscores a move toward AI applications that can perform tangible tasks in homes, factories, and cities.
Key announcements included NVIDIA's next-generation 'Vera Rubin' AI superchip platform and new AI models for autonomous driving. LG Electronics presented its CLOiD home robot, designed to handle household chores, while Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics demonstrated a new version of its Atlas humanoid robot intended for manufacturing facilities. Chipmakers Intel and AMD also revealed new processors designed to power AI directly on personal computers, reinforcing the trend of moving intelligence from the cloud to the device.