CES 2026 opens with AI stepping into physical world

Members of K-pop group RIIZE present Samsung Electronics’ “Vision AI Companion” AI TV platform at The First Look exhibition. (Samsung Electronics)

CES 2026, the world’s largest IT and consumer electronics exhibition, opened Tuesday in Las Vegas, showcasing how artificial intelligence is evolving from on-screen software into a tangible presence in human physical space. Under this year’s slogan, “Innovators Show Up,” more than 4,500 companies from roughly 150 countries focused on demonstrating AI as a real, embodied force rather than a virtual concept.

Samsung and LG compete to become everyday “AI companions”

At a press briefing held on the eve of the opening, Samsung Electronics unveiled its vision of an “AI companion for everyday life,” built around connecting nearly 400 million devices annually into a single intelligent ecosystem. Roh Tae-moon, president and head of Samsung’s DX division, said the company aims to embed AI across all Galaxy devices and home appliances to dramatically improve users’ daily lives. Moving beyond incremental hardware upgrades, Samsung positioned mobile devices as the central hub enabling seamless communication across all appliances to deliver a unified AI experience.

LG Electronics’ home robot CLOiD. (LG Electronics)

LG Electronics, meanwhile, brought its “Zero Labor Home” vision closer to reality. The company unveiled for the first time its autonomous home robot CLOiD along with a core component, the AXIUM actuator. Powered by what LG calls “Affectionate Intelligence,” the system demonstrated AI capable of managing everything from indoor air quality to appliance control, while responding to users’ emotions—drawing strong attention from visitors.

Physical AI and the acceleration of AI transformation

Another defining theme at CES 2026 was Physical AI. As NVIDIA and AMD go head-to-head in the AI accelerator market, robotics and autonomous driving technologies—where AI operates through physical bodies—filled exhibition halls across the venue.

Beyond showcasing novel technologies, companies emphasized AI Transformation (AX) as a megatrend reshaping how organizations operate. Traditional heavy-industry players in manufacturing, energy and infrastructure highlighted efforts to embed AI into their core operations, redefining themselves as technology-driven firms and blurring long-standing industry boundaries.

Business takeaways from CES 2026 to be unpacked at Maeil Business debriefing

To translate the complex technology trends emerging in Las Vegas into actionable business strategies, Maeil Business will host the CES 2026 Maeil Business Debriefing Seminar on Jan. 13, shortly after the exhibition closes. The event aims to reinterpret on-site insights through a business lens and offer practical guidance rather than simple show-floor impressions.

The seminar will feature in-depth sessions by experts who directly covered the event. John Ha, CEO of Bear Robotics, will examine how robotics and Physical AI are reshaping industrial landscapes, while Scott Bang, CEO of Grinergy, will analyze next-generation energy strategies in mobility and secondary batteries. Cho Dae-gon, a professor at Yonsei University and an expert in corporate AX execution, is set to present a concrete roadmap for how companies can implement and monetize AI transformation in their operations next year.

Writers from Maeil Business’s technology newsletter MiraKle Letter will also deliver a comprehensive wrap-up of CES themes spanning AI, XR, biotechnology and healthcare. For executives and investors seeking strategic direction for 2026, the seminar is expected to serve as a definitive guide.