CES 2026 Highlights: AI Innovations and Unique Reveals

CES 2026 is bustling in Las Vegas, where the show floor has opened to the public following an exciting two days filled with press conferences from major players like Nvidia, Sony, and AMD, along with previews from the Unveiled event. This year, as in previous years, artificial intelligence (AI) takes center stage, but traditional hardware upgrades and quirky inventions also have their place. Here, we summarize the most significant announcements and surprises from the event.

Nvidia’s Groundbreaking AI Model for Autonomous Vehicles

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a much-anticipated presentation that celebrated the company’s AI achievements and outlined plans for 2026. A significant highlight was the introduction of the Rubin computing architecture, designed to meet the growing computation demands driven by AI. Set to replace the Blackwell architecture later this year, Rubin promises enhanced speed and storage capabilities.

Nvidia also showcased the Alpamayo family of open-source AI models aimed at autonomous vehicles, reinforcing its vision of creating a universal infrastructure for robotics. Senior reporter Rebecca Bellan noted that this strategy positions Nvidia as a key player in the robotics arena.

AMD’s Keynote: New Processors and Collaborations

Kicking off CES with her keynote address, AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su presented impressive collaborations with notable figures such as Greg Brockman of OpenAI and AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li. Senior reporter Rebecca Szkutak reported that AMD is expanding AI accessibility through its Ryzen AI 400 Series processors, which are engineered to enhance the AI capabilities of personal computers.

The Standout Oddities at CES

As the major announcements wrapped up, it was time to spotlight some of the more eccentric revelations. Notable mentions include innovations that tickled attendees’ fancies, showcasing the event’s spirit of creativity. We’re keen to discover more odd suggestions, so keep an eye out for updates!

Breakout Sessions and Key Highlights

CES isn’t only about product unveilings; it’s also a hub for industry panels and discussions. Highlights from breakout sessions included visionary insights from Palmer Luckey, explorations into the future of post-AI-lore learning, and previews of the upcoming series “The Audacity.” Discussions also surfaced regarding Roku’s expansion and an intriguing $25,000 bounty for an authentic Theranos device from All-In host Jason Calacanis.

Ford’s AI Assistant Launch

Ford made headlines by introducing its AI assistant within its app, aimed for a 2027 rollout in vehicles. Developed in collaboration with Google Cloud and utilizing established large language models (LLMs), details on the anticipated driver experience are still sparse, but excitement surrounds the potential transformation of automotive interaction.

Caterpillar and Nvidia Collaborate on Construction Automation

In a notable partnership, Caterpillar and Nvidia unveiled a pilot program called the “Cat AI Assistant.” Demonstrated at CES, this initiative leverages AI in equipment, particularly excavators. Alongside, the two companies announced plans to utilize Nvidia’s Omniverse simulation technology to enhance construction project planning and execution.

Hands-On with Clicks Communicator

Among the buzzworthy products at CES is Clicks Technology’s Communicator, priced at $499. This device evokes nostalgia with its physical keyboard and comes with an additional $79 slide-out keyboard for added functionality across devices.

Consumer Editor Sarah Perez shared her hands-on experience, noting the device’s ergonomic design and practical features, such as an elevated screen and a protective curved chin perfect for face-down placement.

Skylight Calendar 2: An AI-Powered Planning Tool

Another intriguing product making waves is the Skylight Calendar 2, an AI-enhanced family planning tool. The device excels in syncing calendars and generating tasks based on incoming messages or photos, designed to streamline daily organization.

Boston Dynamics and Google’s Atlas Robots Partnership

Hyundai’s presentation showcased its alliance with Boston Dynamics, which focuses on training and operating Atlas robots in collaboration with Google’s AI research team. Transportation Editor Kirsten Korosec provided insights into this innovative partnership, highlighting the advancement of robot technology at CES.

Amazon’s Alexa+ Update and New Features

Amazon harnessed the CES spotlight by launching updates to Alexa+, including the introduction of Alexa.com for Early Access customers and revamped applications focused on chatbot functionalities. Consumer Editor Sarah Perez explored these advances along with updates to Fire TV and new Artline TVs featuring the Alexa+ integration.

Razer’s Bold AI Initiatives: Project AVA and Motoko

Razer is known for its wild hardware, and this year is no different. They introduced Project Motoko, envisioned to provide smart-glasses-like functionality without the actual glasses, and Project AVA, which features the avatar of an AI companion positioned on your desk.

Lego Makes its Mark at CES with Smart Bricks

For the first time, Lego showcased its Smart Play System, which includes interactive bricks, tiles, and Minifigures that produce sounds and respond to each other. The initial sets themed around Star Wars captivated attention, as Senior Writer Amanda Silberling reported on the innovative direction Lego is taking.

Conclusion

CES 2026 is off to a thrilling start, showcasing a plethora of AI innovations alongside unique products that push the boundaries of technology. As we continue to cover the event, stay tuned for further updates and insights from our on-the-ground team through our live blog. The future of technology is not just about advancements; it’s also about creativity, collaboration, and a little bit of quirky fun sprinkled in!

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Emmanuel Kesse

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