CES 2026 Highlights: Tech and Trends
LAS VEGAS — On the opening day of CES 2026, major players like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel made significant announcements, but it seemed like everyone was more interested in Star Wars and, oddly enough, Jensen Huang’s quirky little robots.
This annual event is a crucial platform for companies to showcase their upcoming products, and as anticipated, artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme, with firms eager to introduce AI offerings that would captivate consumers.
Nvidia’s New AI Innovations
The buzzword circulating this year is “physical AI,” a concept Nvidia describes as AI models developed in virtual settings using synthetic data before they transition to physical applications. CEO Jensen Huang showcased Cosmos, an AI model trained on extensive datasets to simulate environments based on real-world physics. He also introduced Alpamayo, an AI model aimed at self-driving technology, and reported that Nvidia’s next-gen superchip platform, Vera Rubin, is now in production. Additionally, a new partnership with Siemens was announced, demonstrating Nvidia’s strategy to fend off growing competition in the AI sector.
However, once Huang brought out two charming, waddling robots, the audience’s attention quickly shifted solely to them.
AMD’s Processor Updates
Away from Nvidia, AMD’s CEO Lisa Su took the stage to unveil a new line of Ryzen AI processors, aiming to strengthen their presence in AI-enhanced personal computers. For gaming enthusiasts, AMD also previewed the updated Ryzen 7 9850X3D processor.
On the other hand, Intel revealed its new AI chips for laptops, known as Panther Lake (part of the Intel Core Ultra Series 3), along with intentions to launch a platform tailored for handheld gaming devices. Despite being a longstanding player in Silicon Valley and enjoying growth during the PC surge, Intel has struggled recently after lagging in the mobile computing shift and falling behind in the AI boom that benefitted Nvidia.
Notably, the U.S. government acquired a 10% stake in Intel recently, enhancing its influence as a shareholder in the company to support American tech and domestic manufacturing.
Uber’s Robotaxi Reveal
Uber took the opportunity at CES to unveil its new robotaxi alongside luxury electric vehicle maker Lucid Motors and tech company Nuro. This autonomous vehicle boasts a high-end interior where passengers can personalize settings like climate and music, while it also features advanced sensors for 360-degree awareness. Testing for the vehicle began last month in San Francisco, marking a significant step for its anticipated launch later this year.
Lego’s Collaboration with Star Wars
Lego captured the fandom’s attention when Lucasfilm’s David Filoni introduced beloved characters like Chewbacca and R2D2. The company announced its new Lego Smart Play platform, which includes interactive bricks that can sense light and distance, allowing for creative play combined with a partnership with the Star Wars franchise for immersive experiences.
LG’s New Humanoid Robot
LG showcased a humanoid robot designed for household tasks, from folding laundry to fetching food. While many companies present similar products at CES, LG’s positioning as a frontrunner indicates a serious push into service robots for the home.
Musical Lollipops
Interestingly, Lollipop Star introduced a candy that plays music while you eat. Using “bone induction technology,” these unique lollipops let you hear tracks from artists like Ice Spice and Akon through the confection. They’ll be available online for $8.99 each, garnering attention for their unique concept, with Akon expected to visit their booth during CES.
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas Robot
Hyundai’s Boston Dynamics showcased the Atlas robot for the first time, highlighting their efforts to create humanoid robots capable of performing tasks similar to humans. A version of Atlas is already in production for assisting in vehicle assembly, with plans for deployment by 2028 in Georgia.
Delta Air Lines and Sphere Entertainment Partnership
Finally, Delta Air Lines announced a long-term partnership with Sphere Entertainment Co., aiming to enhance entertainment experiences at the Sphere in Las Vegas. They will offer exclusive rewards for SkyMiles members, integrating Delta branding into this impressive venue.
