Dreams of the vast potential of artificial intelligence will clash with reality at the commencement of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week. While science fiction often portrays AI as superintelligent and autonomous, the current technology is primarily applied to specialized tasks such as language translation, health monitoring, and providing contextual information through smart devices.
Despite the ongoing progress in integrating AI into humanoid robots, human operators still oversee their functions remotely. Forrester principal analyst Thomas Husson predicts a widening gap between the hype around AI technology and actual customer experiences at CES 2026 due to the varying speeds of software advancements and hardware capabilities.
Nevertheless, a myriad of AI-powered devices, including televisions, home appliances, personal computers, vehicles, and health-monitoring wearables, are expected to be showcased at CES. The event, which attracted over 142,000 attendees last year, will feature a diverse range of products, from humanoid robots to AI-infused toys and autonomous vehicles.
The week-long event will host thousands of exhibitors presenting connected cars, heavy equipment, and AI innovations. Despite potential exaggerations in AI capabilities, analysts anticipate genuine advancements driven by machine learning across various consumer products.
Smart glasses, like those developed in partnership with Meta and Ray-Ban, are projected to fuel a competition in AI wearables, with a significant consumer adoption rate by the end of the year. The emphasis on personal computers is expected due to the competition among chip manufacturers to enhance AI capabilities while optimizing power consumption.
Challenges loom over the industry, including rising prices for computing components and memory chips impacted by the focus on AI data centers. The trade war between the US and China has also led to a reduced presence of Chinese vendors at CES, reflecting geopolitical tensions affecting global tech markets.
Despite these challenges, CES remains a key platform for industry trends, investments, and networking opportunities. While the event may not unveil the next groundbreaking technology, it provides valuable insights into the direction of the consumer electronics sector and fosters crucial business interactions.