CES 2026: Robots Rising! Will AI Dominate or Destroy the Future?!

LAS VEGAS — Get ready for a heavy dose of robots and smart tech! Advanced artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and cutting-edge robotics are expected to be the stars of CES 2026. Major global companies are gearing up to unveil their latest innovations in these rapidly expanding fields, and frankly, I can't wait to see what they've been cooking up.

CES 2026: Robots Rising! Will AI Dominate or Destr...

After a year dominated by the explosive rise of large language models and their integration into just about every industry imaginable, it looks like "physical AI" is set to truly take center stage. Think AI combined with robotics and other physical systems, like advanced machinery. Humanoid robots, capable of actually *thinking* and behaving in human-like ways in the real world, will be a huge part of this.

Hyundai Motor Group is already positioning itself as a major player here. Word on the street is that Boston Dynamics, their robotics division, will be debuting Atlas, its next-generation *electric* humanoid robot at the show. Hyundai's clearly aiming to become a powerhouse in physical AI through the commercialization of these humanoid robots. It's a bold move, but if anyone has the resources to pull it off, it's them.

At CES 2024, Boston Dynamics' humanoid robot Atlas moves engine covers. Courtesy of Hyundai Motor Group

While Hyundai focused on its vision of becoming a software-defined vehicle (SDV) maker at CES 2024, this year's emphasis will be on smart manufacturing, powered by software-defined factories (SDF). They're aggressively expanding beyond just making cars to become a leading SDF operator. Hyundai believes fully realized SDFs will revolutionize global manufacturing – becoming the most advanced type of smart factories, primarily operated by data and software. Ambitious stuff, to say the least!

Key Hyundai Motor Group affiliates will also be showcasing their latest goodies at CES 2026. Hyundai Wia will be there for the *first* time, and Hyundai Mobis will be pushing its next-gen cockpit solutions to major North American automotive clients. It's a full-court press to dominate the future of mobility and manufacturing.

Of course, it wouldn't be CES without Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics. Both Korean giants are expected to unveil their own AI-powered innovations, so expect a fierce battle for consumer attention. The competition is always a great thing for innovation, and frankly, for us consumers.

A Miroki robot from French company Enchanted Tools is seen at the Eureka Park exhibition at the Venetian Expo Center during CES 2024. AFP

CES 2026 kicks off on Tuesday and runs for four days. With an exhibition space covering about 2.5 million square feet, it's still one of the biggest tech shows on the planet. This year, around 4,300 companies from over 150 countries are expected to participate, showing off their latest advancements in everything from digital health and mobility to beauty, fashion, and, of course, the AI and robotics that are poised to steal the show. I'll be on the ground, bringing you all the juicy details, so stay tuned!