CES 2026: The Year AI Steps Out of the Screen and Into the Real World
From January 6 to 9, 2026, Las Vegas will play host to what could become the most important CES in history. For years, artificial intelligence has dominated software, apps, and cloud tools. CES 2026 marks the moment that AI stops living only on screens and begins living inside machines that move, react, and operate in the physical world.
Robotics will be one of the most exciting and fastest growing categories this year. The show is expected to draw more than 4,500 exhibitors, with hundreds of robotics and physical AI companies demonstrating real world products for homes, factories, hospitals, retail environments, and public spaces.
The theme of CES 2026 focuses heavily on real world deployment. Organizers have placed robotics and AI at the center of the programming, keynote speeches, and show floor showcases. Rather than treating them as separate disciplines, the event will highlight how AI is becoming the brain of physical machines and how robotics is becoming the vessel for intelligence.
Major Robotics Companies Expected at CES 2026
A large lineup of global innovators is set to exhibit. Some of the most anticipated robotics companies include:
Unitree Robotics
Known for fast and agile quadrupeds, Unitree continues pushing affordable robotics for research, industrial use, and advanced mobility applications.Doosan Robotics
A leader in collaborative industrial robots, Doosan is expected to feature automation platforms that integrate AI for manufacturing, logistics, and inspection tasks.Elephant Robotics
Focused on accessible and modular robotic arms and mobile platforms, Elephant Robotics is popular among developers and small businesses looking for flexible automation.Ecovacs
A well known name in smart home robotics, Ecovacs is expected to unveil consumer robots that combine navigation, object detection, and home cleaning with improved AI capabilities.Roborock
Alongside Ecovacs, Roborock is anticipated to continue the evolution of household robots with advanced mapping, self emptying systems, and AI powered home navigation.Dreame Technology
Dreame is expected to showcase next generation consumer robots and cleaning platforms that blend mobility with AI object recognition and obstacle avoidance.Realbotix
Realbotix brings humanoid and expressive social robots to the show floor, demonstrating advanced conversational and interactive behaviors.WIRobotics
This company is focused on wearable robotic assist systems and humanoid designs aimed at mobility support and accessibility.Oshkosh Corporation and other industrial players
Several industrial robotics manufacturers are anticipated to reveal autonomous construction and logistics systems that blend heavy machinery with advanced AI.
In addition to these specialized robotics firms, major consumer tech brands like Samsung and LG are expected to feature AI enabled appliances and service machines, signaling how deeply robotics is crossing into mainstream consumer markets.
Robotics on the Show Floor
Visitors can expect robotics to be everywhere this year.
Humanoid robots designed for service, retail, and research
Autonomous warehouse and logistics platforms
Industrial cobots and manufacturing arms
Housebots for cleaning, companionship, and object handling
Mobile robots for healthcare, elder care, and accessibility
Robotic pets and emotional support machines
Drones and airborne robotics for inspection and delivery
Many exhibits will show AI systems performing complex perception and decision making. Robots will be navigating mock factory floors, simulated homes, and real booth environments to demonstrate habit learning, obstacle avoidance, and object manipulation.
Why CES 2026 Matters
For years, AI has been a digital tool. It processed information, generated content, and answered questions. Now that intelligence is moving into the physical world in the form of robots.
This shift is driven by three key factors.
AI models are now capable of vision, language, and planning in real time.
Hardware platforms have become more affordable and more powerful.
Developers and businesses want physical automation, not just digital assistance.
CES 2026 represents the first time these forces come together on a global stage. It is not just a showcase of smarter electronics. It is a showcase of machines that act, move, and collaborate.
The Experience in Las Vegas
Walking the CES show floor this year will feel different.
You will see humanoid robots that do more than pose.
You will see warehouse machines that navigate autonomously.
You will see home robots that speak, recognize objects, and respond.
You will see wearable robotics designed to help people walk and move.
Most importantly, you will see AI that does not only think. It behaves. It interacts. It enters the physical world.
The Beginning of a New Era
CES has always been a preview of the near future. CES 2026 may be remembered as the moment when AI became physical, visible, and useful in daily life. The companies preparing to demonstrate their robots are not chasing science fiction. They are building machines for homes, factories, hospitals, stores, and city streets.
Robots are no longer just prototypes or concept videos. At CES 2026, they step onto the floor, into our world, and into the next phase of technological evolution.
This year, AI is not only thinking. It is walking. It is lifting. It is assisting. It is here.
