Las Vegas. From humanoid robots and AI superchips to musical lollipops and Star Wars-powered Lego, CES 2026 opened with a familiar message delivered in increasingly unfamiliar forms: artificial intelligence is no longer just software — it is becoming physical, personal, and everywhere.

On the first two days of the world’s largest consumer electronics show, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel rolled out major chip and AI platform announcements, while automakers, airlines, robotics firms, and even candy makers showcased how AI is moving off screens and into factories, homes, vehicles, and bodies. Yet for many attendees, the most memorable moments came not from slides or silicon, but from robots waddling onstage with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and pop-culture crossovers that blurred the line between tech and entertainment.

Nvidia Pushes “Physical AI”
No company shaped the CES narrative more forcefully than Nvidia. Huang introduced what the company calls “physical AI” — models trained in simulated, physics-based virtual environments using synthetic data, then deployed into real-world machines once they have mastered their tasks.

At the center of that push is Cosmos, a new AI foundation model designed to simulate environments governed by real-world physics. Huang also unveiled Alpamayo, an AI model purpose-built for autonomous driving, and confirmed that Nvidia’s next-generation AI superchip platform, Vera Rubin, has entered full production.

Nvidia also announced a new partnership with Siemens, signaling a deeper push into industrial AI. The announcements underscored Nvidia’s determination to defend its dominance as competition intensifies across chips, data centers, and applied AI.

Still, it was Huang’s surprise reveal of two chirping, waddling robots that stole the show — an unscripted reminder that physical AI may be Nvidia’s most compelling pitch yet.

Chips Make A Comeback
AMD and Intel also used CES to reassert their relevance in the AI era.

AMD CEO Lisa Su introduced a new lineup of Ryzen AI processors, part of the company’s broader effort to expand its footprint in AI-powered personal computers. For gamers, AMD debuted the Ryzen 7 9850X3D, its latest performance-focused processor.

Intel, meanwhile, announced Panther Lake — also branded as Intel Core Ultra Series 3 — its next AI chip for laptops. The company also revealed plans for a new platform aimed at the growing handheld gaming market.

The announcements come as Intel seeks to recover from years of strategic missteps that left it trailing Nvidia during the AI boom. The U.S. government recently acquired a 10% stake in Intel, citing the need to support domestic manufacturing and strategic technology capabilities.

Uber Returns to Robotaxis
Uber re-entered the autonomous vehicle spotlight by unveiling a luxury robotaxi developed with Lucid Motors and autonomous tech firm Nuro.

The vehicle features a customized Uber-designed cabin, 360-degree perception through cameras, sensors, and radar, and a low-profile roof “halo” that uses LEDs to display rider initials and trip status. Inside, passengers can personalize climate controls, seating, and music, while live visuals show what the car “sees” and the route it plans to take.

On-road testing began last month in San Francisco, with the companies targeting a commercial launch before the end of 2026.

Lego, Star Wars, and Smart Bricks
CES also leaned heavily into entertainment. Lego announced its new Lego Smart Play platform, introducing sensor-equipped bricks, tags, and interactive minifigures capable of responding with lights and sounds.

The reveal was paired with a new partnership with Lucasfilm’s Star Wars franchise. When Lucasfilm chief creative officer Dave Filoni appeared alongside X-wing pilots, Chewbacca, R2-D2, and C-3PO, the crowd reaction was instant. The collaboration allows users to build interactive space battles and lightsaber duels — melding physical play with embedded intelligence.

Robots at Home and at Work

Robots dominated CES show floors, from factories to living rooms.

LG previewed a humanoid robot designed to perform household tasks such as folding laundry and fetching food. While details remain limited, LG is one of the largest consumer electronics companies to signal a serious intention to bring service robots into homes.

Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics demonstrated Atlas, its humanoid robot, in a public CES showcase for the first time. The company said a version designed for automotive assembly is already in production and will be deployed by 2028 at Hyundai’s electric vehicle plant in Georgia.

Delta Goes Spherical
Delta Air Lines announced a multiyear partnership with Sphere Entertainment Co., becoming the official airline of the Las Vegas Sphere. The deal includes a Delta SKY360° Club lounge and exclusive Sphere experiences for SkyMiles members, beginning with the final weekend of the Backstreet Boys’ residency in February.

Delta branding will also appear on the Sphere’s massive exterior LED display, with more experiences planned through 2026 and beyond.

CES Gets Weird in A Good Way
CES tradition dictates that not all innovation must be practical.

Lollipop Star unveiled a candy that plays music as you eat it, using what the company calls “bone induction technology.” By biting or licking the lollipop, users can hear songs — ranging from Ice Spice to Akon — transmitted through their jaw. The lollipops will retail for $8.99 after CES.

Meanwhile, Chinese robotics firm Roborock debuted the Saros Rover, a robotic vacuum cleaner with retractable, chicken-like legs that allow it to climb and clean stairs. While still in development, the demo drew crowds.

AI Everywhere on Day 2

Day 2 saw packed halls and a deeper focus on applied AI.

Siemens CEO Roland Busch opened with a keynote on AI-driven industrial transformation, joined by Huang to announce an expanded partnership aimed at reinventing manufacturing and supply chains.

Lenovo closed the day with a star-studded showcase of its AI platforms, featuring appearances by Huang, Su and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan.

Gaming company Razer unveiled two AI-powered prototypes: Project Motoko, an over-ear headset that doubles as a general AI assistant, and Project Ava, a holographic desk companion housed in a glass tube. Both are model-agnostic and are expected to launch later this year.

Robots on the Runway
Oshkosh Corporation pitched a future where autonomous robots guide planes to gates and unload luggage. The company debuted airport robots designed to automate ground operations — even during extreme weather — aiming to reduce delays while improving safety. Airline testing is already underway.

Health, Longevity, and Fusion Power
Withings introduced Body Scan 2, a $600 smart scale that measures 60 biomarkers in 90 seconds, including heart age, vascular health, and nerve function. A companion app offers personalized health insights for a subscription fee.

Finally, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Nvidia, and Siemens announced a partnership to accelerate nuclear fusion research. Using AI and a “digital twin” of its SPARC prototype reactor, the group aims to compress years of experimentation into weeks — bringing fusion power closer to reality in the 2030s.