The Consumer Electronics Show returns to Las Vegas January 6-9, and artificial intelligence will dominate every corner of the convention floor. Six years after the pandemic disrupted the tech industry’s largest gathering, CES 2026 is roaring back to life with companies daring to shoot for the moon again.
“Every year CES has a theme. And sometimes you don’t know what it is until you get to the show,” explained Kinsey Fabrizio, president of the Consumer Technology Association, which runs CES. “But we can tell you right now, robotics is going to be talked about big time at CES.”
AI Will Be Inescapable
Samsung, LG, Lenovo, Razer, Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm will all showcase products where AI sits at the center rather than as an add-on feature. According to Gizmodo’s preview, AI will wiggle its way into every gadget imaginable, from laptops and mobile devices to home appliances and transportation.
Samsung kicks off the show on January 4 with “The First Look,” a presentation on AI-driven customer experiences hosted by TM Roh, CEO of Samsung’s DX Division. LG follows with its “Innovation in Tune with You” conference, highlighting what the company calls “Affectionate Intelligence.”
The most useful AI functions, observers note, will be the ones working invisibly in the background. Do consumers really need AI in a washing machine or refrigerator? That question will hang over many announcements.
Smart Glasses Flood the Show Floor
Following Meta’s Ray-Ban Display success, an avalanche of smart glasses is expected. Every company seems to be chasing the holy grail: a single pair with solid screens, cameras, battery life, speakers, AI capabilities, and apps at an affordable price.
Snap and Apple both aim to launch their own versions before 2026 ends, though most CES announcements will come from smaller manufacturers. The variety of designs will widen significantly, from AI glasses that excel at photos and music to video glasses with XR functions.
As Gizmodo put it: “The metaverse is dead; AI is now the new hotness.”
Micro RGB TVs Steal the Spotlight
Television technology matters again at CES 2026. Samsung and LG have both announced Micro RGB TVs, an innovation on Mini-LED that trades standard blue or white backlights for sub-100μm red, green, and blue LEDs. The result is significantly improved color reproduction.
Samsung will offer its 2026 Micro RGB LED TVs in sizes from 55 to 100 inches. LG debuts its first Micro RGB evo TVs in 75, 86, and 100-inch configurations. Samsung is also countering LG’s 5K monitors with a 6K model featuring glasses-free 3D technology.
Pricing remains a question mark. Both the 115-inch Samsung and 116-inch Hisense RGB TVs in 2025 cost around $30,000.
Home Robots Go Mainstream
Intelligence merging with robotics within the home represents one of CES 2026’s most interesting developments. Humanoid robots capable of lifting objects and doing chores, plus robot vacuums that can climb stairs, will be on display.
LG’s CLOiD robot and offerings from Unitree, Dreame, and Richtech Robotics aim to show whether personal robots are closer to reality. World models, which give AI deep understanding of physical space, could be key to making these robots competent at navigating homes and workplaces.
Chip Wars Continue
Jensen Huang’s Nvidia keynote will likely draw massive crowds. AMD CEO Lisa Su hosts her own keynote hours later, expected to debut new Ryzen chips including the Ryzen 7 9850X3D. Intel’s Jim Johnson will provide updates on Core Ultra Series 3 processors built on the company’s new 18A chip technology.
Surprise Announcements
Motorola may break CES tradition by announcing a major smartphone. Its parent company Lenovo hosts an evening presentation at the Sphere, with preview materials suggesting a book-style folding phone. LEGO returns to CES for the first time in years.
Wearables will emphasize longevity and chronic disease management over simple fitness tracking. Expect devices monitoring blood glucose, hormonal health, and sleep apnea.
The convention represents a critical moment for the tech industry to prove AI-powered products can move from concept to mainstream adoption.
