The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, the world’s premier electronics and information technology (IT) exhibition, heralded the arrival of the Physical Artificial Intelligence (AI) era. The Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), hosting CES 2026, was dominated by humanoid robots, the embodiment of Physical artificial intelligence (AI). Global companies showcased an array of robots, captivating attendees. China, leading the global humanoid robot market, seemed to employ a strategy of overwhelming presence, flooding the exhibition hall with robots.
Another striking feature was how companies enlivened their displays through video integration. Notably, corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) messaging appeared subdued, possibly influenced by President Donald Trump’s skepticism towards renewable energy-focused ESG initiatives. News1 covered the CES 2026 opening on Tuesday alongside Dr. Ko Sam-seok, a distinguished professor at Dongguk University’s College of Advanced Convergence Engineering and a member of the National AI Committee. Dr. Ko is a regular CES attendee.
AI Enters Results-Driven Phase, Officially Ushering in the Physical AI Era
While CES 2024 explored AI’s potential, this year’s event showcased tangible outcomes, moving beyond mere application. CES 2026 participants no longer felt compelled to highlight AI, as it has become ubiquitous across industries. AI has evolved from a specialized technology to a fundamental infrastructure.
CES 2026 officially inaugurated the Physical AI era. AI has materialized in concrete forms like humanoid robots, penetrating factories, homes, and society at large. This shift underscores AI’s role in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency. Physical AI has expanded into a more defined ecosystem, optimizing for various sectors and implementing vertical AI models.
Humanoid robots, the face of Physical AI, are increasingly becoming part of everyday life, extending beyond industrial applications.
China affirmed its leadership in the humanoid robot market at CES 2026. The LVCC North Hall was a showcase of China’s robotic prowess, featuring advanced humanoids from both established and emerging companies.
These robots demonstrated remarkable capabilities, engaging in table tennis matches with humans and even donning gloves for boxing. They performed jumps and danced with fluidity. The exhibition also saw an increase in prosthetic robots, showcasing significant technological advancements. South Korean companies are also making strides in humanoid robotics. Hyundai Motor Group unveiled Atlas, its next-generation humanoid robot, while LG Electronics introduced LG CLOiD, a sophisticated home robot.
AI’s reach has extended to agriculture and construction, with automation technology becoming increasingly sophisticated. Caterpillar’s keynote speech at CES highlighted AI’s growing role in manufacturing and construction. Similarly, agricultural giant John Deere presented its vision for AI-driven complete automation.
Physical AI has been integrated into tangible hardware, including autonomous vehicles from tech giants. Google, Amazon, and NVIDIA showcased enhanced technologies and services, leveraging accumulated data in autonomous driving.
The focus has shifted from mere driving distance to in-vehicle entertainment and passenger activities. While Google’s Waymo and Amazon’s Zoox are frontrunners, the market remains nascent, promising intense future competition.
CES 2026: China’s Confidence Evident, South Korea’s Influence Remains Strong
Despite a slight decrease in Chinese company participation compared to last year, their presence remained substantial, reflecting China’s confidence in its AI capabilities amid competition with the U.S. Chinese firms dominated the LVCC Central Hall, with TCL occupying Samsung Electronics’ previous space. Nearby, Hisense and Dreame set up impressive displays. These companies, once known for cost-effectiveness, now showcased advanced technologies, demonstrating their resilience against U.S. scrutiny.
South Korea maintained a strong presence with 853 participating companies, ranking third globally. Despite a slight decrease in participation, Korean firms secured an impressive 208 out of 338 innovation awards. The Korean presence was palpable throughout the LVCC, with Korean language frequently heard.
However, CES 2026 underscored South Korea’s need to rapidly advance its humanoid robotics capabilities. The event also highlighted the necessity for regulatory reforms in autonomous driving to remain competitive globally.
While the U.S.-China AI rivalry dominated, France emerged as a European contender, ranking fourth in company participation with 160 firms. This success stems from focused government support. Many exhibitors distinguished themselves through innovative video integrations, creating immersive experiences to showcase their products.
Major companies showed diminished emphasis on ESG initiatives compared to previous years. The reduced focus on renewable energy and sustainability in corporate displays likely reflects the influence of President Trump’s ESG policies.
