CES 2026 was held in Las Vegas from January 6 to January 9 at a time when the global technology sector was adjusting to slower funding cycles, tighter corporate spending, and rising regulatory attention in major markets. The event took place against a backdrop of uneven economic growth, ongoing supply chain recalibration, and renewed government focus on domestic manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Despite these conditions, CES remained one of the largest annual gatherings for consumer electronics, industrial technology, mobility systems, and digital services, drawing strong participation from established companies, early-stage firms, policymakers, and institutional buyers.
Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES 2026 hosted more than 4,100 exhibitors across over 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space spread across 13 venues in Las Vegas. Around 145,000 attendees registered for the event, including executives, engineers, investors, government representatives, and members of the international press. Roughly 1,200 of the exhibiting companies were startups, many of which were seeking partnerships, pilot deployments, or follow-on funding in a period of constrained private capital flows.
The event opened with a media day on January 5, ahead of the main exhibition. Keynote addresses were delivered by senior leaders from Nvidia, Intel, and AMD, setting the agenda for the following days. NVIDIA chief executive Jensen Huang outlined the company’s latest platform developments and outlined how its systems were being deployed across automotive, robotics, and data centre environments. Intel used its launch event to introduce new laptop processors and a handheld gaming platform, while AMD presented updates to its mobile processor lineup, focusing on personal computing and enterprise workloads.
Subsequent keynote sessions included presentations from Siemens, which discussed the use of software systems in industrial operations, and Caterpillar, which focused on automation in heavy equipment. Policy discussions were also part of the official programme, with panels addressing data protection, safety standards, and regulatory coordination related to digital systems. These sessions included participation from industry groups and former government officials, reflecting growing scrutiny of technology deployment in public and commercial settings.
A notable feature of CES 2026 was the scale of participation by computing hardware companies. NVIDIA introduced its Rubin architecture, which the company described as its next major platform for data centre systems, robotics, and vehicle applications. According to Nvidia, the architecture includes multiple specialised chips designed to work together within a single system. The company stated that production had begun and that broader availability was expected later in 2026. NVIDIA also demonstrated robots and vehicle platforms that use simulation-based development methods, a theme that appeared repeatedly across the show floor.
AMD announced refreshed versions of its Ryzen AI mobile processors, branded as the Ryzen AI 400 series. The company said the chips combine updated CPU cores, graphics, and on-device processing units intended for personal computers. AMD confirmed that laptop models using the processors would be released by partners including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo starting in the first quarter of 2026. Intel, meanwhile, introduced its Panther Lake processors under the Core Ultra Series 3 branding, marking the first consumer chips produced on its 18A manufacturing process. Intel said systems using the processors would reach the market in late January.
Device manufacturers used CES 2026 to present updated laptops, foldable phones, and experimental form factors. Lenovo announced its Qira platform, which it described as a cross-device software system operating across its computers and Motorola smartphones. Lenovo also revealed new ThinkPad Aura Edition laptops developed in partnership with Intel, with availability expected in March 2026. Motorola presented the Razr Fold, its first book-style foldable phone, and confirmed that commercial release was planned later in the year.
Samsung expanded its Galaxy Book lineup with the Galaxy Book6 series, featuring Intel’s latest processors and AMOLED displays. The company also displayed the Galaxy Z TriFold, a tri-panel foldable device shown as a concept with limited release plans. Dell returned to the CES stage with updated XPS laptops, while Acer introduced lightweight Swift Edge models aimed at a wide range of buyers. Razer displayed Project Motoko, a headset concept combining audio and visual input, without announcing a release schedule.
Robotics drew sustained attention throughout the exhibition halls. Roborock introduced the Saros Rover, a two-legged robot vacuum capable of climbing stairs and cleaning across multiple levels. The company said the product would be available in the second half of 2026. Dreame showed a prototype stair-climbing vacuum using retractable tracks, though the company confirmed it remained in development. Several exhibitors presented robots designed for home assistance, industrial logistics, and accessibility support, with demonstrations focused on navigation, balance, and task execution.
Displays and televisions were another major area of activity. LG unveiled its OLED evo W6 Wallpaper TV, measuring 9 millimetres thick and designed to mount flush against walls. The company confirmed that the TV uses a separate wireless connection box for inputs. Samsung displayed a 130-inch MicroRGB television, described as the largest single-piece display shown by the company to date. Display makers such as BOE also presented cockpit systems for vehicles, integrating large-format screens with dashboard controls.
Mobility and transportation technology occupied large sections of the exhibition space. Automakers, including BMW, Hyundai, and Sony Honda Mobility, showcased electric and connected vehicles, while agricultural and construction firms such as John Deere and Caterpillar demonstrated automated equipment. Several companies displayed solid-state battery research, though most confirmed that commercial deployment remained several years away. Autonomous transport operators, including Waymo and Zoox, presented updates on fleet testing and regulatory approvals.
Health and accessibility technology was another area of focus. Exhibitors presented wearable devices designed to monitor vital signs, mobility aids aimed at independent living, and digital health assessment tools for clinical environments. Products such as Omedus’s Triage 360° system were demonstrated to healthcare professionals attending the show. Sustainability themes appeared across categories, including energy management systems for homes, electric mobility platforms, and materials recycling initiatives.
Consumer products outside core electronics also featured prominently. Lego introduced its Smart Brick system, which integrates sensors and digital interaction into physical building blocks, beginning with themed sets scheduled for release in March 2026. IKEA displayed low-cost Bluetooth speakers under the Kallsup name, while Rolling Square showed updated tracking devices compatible with both major mobile ecosystems. Amazon expanded its Ring product line with hub-free sensors and new software features for home monitoring.
Several technology publications and industry groups announced awards during CES 2026. Tom’s Guide, CNET, Engadget, and PCMag each released lists recognising products displayed at the event, covering categories such as computing devices, home electronics, robotics, and wearables. These awards were based on hands-on assessments conducted during the show and did not include sales projections or commercial endorsements.
