AI, semiconductors, and robotics took center stage at CES 2026. This is only the start.

CES 2026: The Latest Innovations Take Over Las Vegas

Las Vegas is buzzing as CES 2026 draws massive crowds to its hotels and the Las Vegas Convention Center. Attendees are exploring a vast selection of new technology, ranging from everyday gadgets destined for homes and offices to experimental devices that may never leave the showroom floor.

During my time at the event, dashing between press briefings and grabbing the occasional coffee, three major trends have emerged as the focal points of this year’s show: artificial intelligence, advanced chips, and robotics.

With so many announcements centered on these themes, the only respite from the tech frenzy was retreating to my hotel room to write this update.

Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage

AI is the undisputed star of CES 2026. Everywhere you look, AI is integrated into products of all kinds, from robots navigating the show floor to smart devices boasting new capabilities.

AI-powered TVs, computers, smartphones, and even AI-enabled toilets are generating buzz throughout the convention. This surge in AI innovation is fueled by significant investments from leading tech companies in both generative AI and robotics.

Google revealed plans to integrate its Gemini 3 AI into Google TV, enabling users to search for content and customize screensavers using natural language commands.

Samsung introduced the Galaxy Z Trifold in the United States, featuring built-in AI functions. Wearable technology powered by AI was everywhere, from smart glasses to rings.

Chip Innovations Steal the Spotlight

Nvidia made headlines with major announcements. CEO Jensen Huang unveiled the new Vera Rubin platform during the Jan. 5 keynote, introducing six new chips: the Vera CPU, Rubin GPU, and four additional networking and storage chips. According to Huang, Vera Rubin delivers ten times the throughput of the previous Grace Blackwell platform and reduces token costs by a factor of ten.

Tokens, which represent elements like words, images, and video segments in AI models, are essential for processing information efficiently through tokenization.

Huang also highlighted Nvidia’s extensive collection of open AI models, including the new Alpamayo self-driving car AI, designed to help vehicles interpret complex scenarios, such as a child running into the street.

AMD CEO Lisa Su took the stage to introduce the upcoming Helios rack-scale system for the Instinct MI445X GPU and previewed the next-generation MI500 chips. Su described Helios as the world’s premier AI rack, directly challenging Nvidia. Both platforms will support 72 large AI chips per rack, setting up a fierce competition.

AMD also showcased its forthcoming AI PC chips, while Intel launched its Core Ultra Series 3 AI PC processors, now available for presale. Qualcomm joined the fray with the Snapdragon X Plus 2 chip for AI PCs, intensifying the competition among industry giants.

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang discusses the Rubin AI supercomputing platform at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

The Rise of Robotics

Alongside their chip announcements, Nvidia, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm all highlighted their advancements in robotics. Each company is developing or already providing chips that power AI-driven machines, including autonomous vehicles, robotic arms, and humanoid robots.

• Nvidia’s showcase featured a humanoid robot sporting a cowboy hat, a surgical simulation robot, and a service robot assisting with event check-ins.
• AMD invited Generative Bionics CEO Daniele Pucci to present the GENE.01 humanoid robot, which runs on AMD processors.
• Intel demonstrated the RoBee humanoid robot from Oversonic Robotics, powered by its Core Ultra 3 chips.
• Qualcomm introduced the Dragonwing IQ10 series chips for robotics and announced collaborations with companies like Figure and VinMotion to develop humanoid robots.

Hyundai and Boston Dynamics also made waves, revealing plans to establish a production chain for mass-manufacturing robots. Hyundai, which holds a majority stake in Boston Dynamics, announced that its factories will begin using the Atlas humanoid robot starting in 2028.

After immersing myself in the latest tech for days, it’s time to unplug and take a break. Farewell, Las Vegas.