CES 2026 Marks the Shift from Devices to Ecosystems of Intelligence (“EI”)

Every January, the world looks to Las Vegas for CES, the global stage where the future of technology is revealed. CES 2026, coming this January, is expected to be more than a showcase of new products. It will be a turning point where technology evolves from individual devices into interconnected ecosystems of intelligence ("EI").

The big themes this year will go far beyond gadgets. Artificial intelligence, sustainability, health, mobility, and next-generation computing are expected to shape how we live, work, and connect in the years ahead. Visitors will step into halls that feel like entire futures - smart homes that learn, hospitals that predict, and cities that adapt in real time. Here is what to expect when the doors open in Las Vegas.

The Era of Intelligent Everything

CES 2026 is set to highlight AI as the connective tissue across all categories. Artificial intelligence will no longer be seen as a feature inside single devices but as the foundation of entire platforms.

Expect demonstrations of AI-native operating systems that run across phones, PCs, and vehicles. New agentic AI platforms will perform tasks such as scheduling, shopping, and video editing while processing data locally on edge AI chips for privacy and speed.

Robotics will also embody this intelligence. From humanoid assistants that support daily routines to industrial robots that collaborate safely with workers, CES will show how AI is reshaping both personal and professional life.

Health in Real Time

Digital health will take center stage as wearables and connected devices become essential to preventive care.

Next-generation wearables will measure stress, oxygen, glucose, and genetic risk factors, providing real-time insights. AI-powered platforms will interpret this data to deliver predictive diagnostics and personalized recommendations. Telehealth will expand further, combining digital and in-person care.

For aging populations, AgeTech solutions will focus on independence and longevity, showing how technology can extend quality of life.

Wearables and connected devices become essential to preventive care.

Sustainability at the Center

Sustainability will no longer be a side story but a central theme at CES 2026.

Breakthroughs in solid-state batteries will demonstrate faster charging and longer life cycles. Renewable energy systems for homes and vehicles will be showcased as mainstream consumer solutions. Beyond individual products, circular economy models and smart city initiatives will demonstrate how AI and IoT can optimize traffic, reduce pollution, and improve urban living.

Mobility Reimagined

Mobility will again be one of the largest stories of CES.

Autonomous shuttles, robotaxis, and delivery bots will highlight the progress in self-driving technology. Electric vehicles will share the spotlight with hydrogen-powered models that are moving closer to commercial viability.

Infrastructure solutions such as AI-driven traffic systems and vehicle-to-grid technology will illustrate how mobility links with energy systems, creating a new integrated ecosystem for transportation.

A new integrated ecosystem for transportation will become reality.

The Smart Home Learns

In 2026, smart homes will not just respond, they will anticipate.

AI-driven automation will adjust lighting, temperature, and security by learning habits. The Matter standard will bring long-awaited interoperability, allowing devices from Amazon, Google, Apple, and Samsung to work together seamlessly.

Home security will also evolve, with real-time threat detection and edge-based encryption providing stronger protection.

A New Layer of Reality

Spatial computing will be one of the most talked-about categories at CES 2026.

Lightweight AR glasses will deliver real-time overlays such as translation, navigation, and interactive shopping. Immersive XR environments will combine haptics, generative AI, and spatial awareness for applications in education, training, and entertainment.

AR glasses will deliver real-time overlays.

Entertainment Without Limits

The entertainment industry is on the verge of disruption powered by AI.

Generative AI in gaming will create personalized storylines that evolve in real time. Streaming platforms will showcase smarter recommendation engines and real-time visual effects pipelines that democratize content creation for independent producers.

Major announcements are expected from Sony, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Netflix, all shaping how entertainment will be produced and consumed.

Quantum and Beyond

Quantum computing and next-generation processors will move from theory into practice at CES 2026.

Companies like IBM, Google, and IonQ are preparing demonstrations of quantum systems solving real-world problems such as cybersecurity, logistics, and scientific research. Neuromorphic and optical processors will showcase energy-efficient computing architectures designed for AI-heavy workloads.

Autonomy in Motion

Drones and robotics will extend autonomy into new areas of daily life.

Expect smarter drones designed for logistics, inspection, and emergency response. Industrial robots will highlight new levels of collaboration and adaptability, while emotionally intelligent home robots will showcase companionship and real assistance.

Looking Ahead

CES 2026 will not simply be about the next phone or gadget. It will be a demonstration of how technology is converging into ecosystems that are smarter, safer, and more sustainable.

We are moving to a world of "Ecocsystems Of Intelligence" (EI)

The story this year is about integration. Artificial intelligence will connect devices, sustainability will guide design, health technologies will personalize care, and mobility will reshape cities. In January 2026, the future will not only be imagined in Las Vegas - it will be experienced.

In Closing…. Next Steps

This article has hopefully provided a useful highlight overview of the tech trends to watch in preparing for CES 2026. To dive deeper into these innovations and develop strategies to leverage them, and to tailor your CES presence, book a FREE consultation with our CES specialist, Jan-Luc Blakborn (who will attend for the 27th time!)

BOOK HERE: https://calendly.com/jlb-mtg/prep-ces-2026

If expanding your business operations into the US market is one of your goals, our broader team’s expertise can be of assistance. Do not hesitate to schedule a free call to discuss your USA expansion plans and how best to develop an effective market entry strategy, tailored to your business, following a successful CES.

BOOK HERE: https://calendly.com/jlb-mtg/30min-usa-entry

Don’t forget! THE BEST CES IS A PREPARED CES!

See you at CES 2026 in Las Vegas!