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How CES 2026 Is Shaping the Next Era of Smart Living and Entertainment
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) has kicked off, and as always, several preview events have set the tone for the year’s tech conversation.
From “Trends to Watch” to “Tech Trends to Watch” and “Unveiled,” organizers identified three core themes: “Smart Transformation,” “Quality Living,” and “Engineering for Tomorrow.” In simpler terms, these trends highlight AI’s impact on every industry, health and senior care technology, and the foundational infrastructure for sustainable living.
While these themes echo previous years, the evolution of AI and shifting geopolitics are reshaping what’s on display. This year’s Unveiled exhibition and highlighted products show a clear shift: exhibitors are focusing less on flashy gadgets and more on practical solutions that address real-world problems.
AI Drives a Revolution in Infrastructure
AI is undeniably one of CES 2026’s dominant themes, especially when paired with edge computing and physical AI applications—think robots and smart devices.
From Caterpillar’s autonomous excavators and John Deere’s self-driving tractors, to next-generation robot vacuums for the home, CES Unveiled is showcasing innovations like Plaud’s new AI-powered wearable recorder and Tombot’s AI companion robot in the shape of a pet doll.
But CES is also spotlighting the new “infrastructure” required to support AI technology. The first major focus: energy. Examples include South Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power’s (KHNP) net-zero city concept powered by small modular reactors (SMRs), and LV Energy’s technology that turns environmental noise into electricity.
Another key theme: cybersecurity. With AI generating massive new data streams, trust and privacy are more important—and more challenging—than ever. Taiwan startup DeCloak, a three-time CES Innovation Award winner, integrates anonymization techniques with AI-powered image recognition, standing out as a leader in AI-driven security solutions.
Life After AI: The Rise of the Longevity Economy
“Despite global tariffs and economic uncertainty, the U.S. consumer tech market is expected to reach $565 billion in 2026. Even more interesting, AI is no longer experimental—it’s essential. Over 40% of global employees use AI at work; in the U.S., it’s 63%, saving an average of 8.7 hours per week,” said Brian Comiskey, CTA Senior Director of Innovation Trends.
AI is now woven into daily life, but the bigger question is: what comes next?
For CES organizers, it’s not just about higher quality of life—they’re thinking further ahead: aging populations and accessibility. At CES Unveiled, more solutions for senior care and accessibility were on display than ever before. Take the Strutt ev¹, a CES Innovation Award-winning personal mobility device. Designed to be barrier-free, it uses self-driving LiDAR and natural language controls for an intelligent, user-friendly experience.
Another standout is Korea’s Nemonic Dot—a portable braille label printer and mobile app solution, equipped with built-in AI and SDKs. No matter the language or system, it’s plug-and-play for visually impaired users.
“Technology is only ready for the next stage when it’s accessible to everyone,” emphasizes CTA President Gary Shapiro.
Gaming and Entertainment: The Next Generation of Social Platforms?
Gaming is transforming into a “dynamic social platform”—what CES calls “Live Service Models.” Unlike in the past, when hardware dominated, this year the focus is on content and experience. AI-powered facial capture and virtual production tools are making realistic, emotionally expressive characters possible and affordable. Games are becoming persistent, social services—potentially shifting business models from pay-to-play to subscriptions.
AI is also reshaping streaming. According to CTA’s Melissa Harrison, streaming isn’t just disrupting TV—it’s becoming a complex ecosystem. The Oscars will move to YouTube in 2029, and Instagram Reels will soon be available on Amazon Fire via a dedicated app, blurring the lines between TV and mobile content.
As streaming platforms grow, advertising channels and revenue streams are changing too. Accurate ad targeting and new content formats are becoming essential for the future of streaming.
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