There are very few conventions in the world quite like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). In the pre-COVID era, the sheer scale of the event was overwhelming; hotel availability in the greater Las Vegas area was non-existent, with locals renting out spare bedrooms and just about every luxury suite on the Strip transformed into a makeshift meeting room for electronic wonders. Then the pandemic fundamentally altered the landscape. For a time, tech giants and celebrities pulled back, fighting simply to get products into consumers’ hands rather than showcasing them at a massive in-person gathering.
However, CES 2026 marked a definitive return to form. With over 148,000 attendees and more than 4,100 exhibitors filling the city , the show finally felt like “old times” again: Bustling, chaotic, and brimming with energy.
This year’s show was defined by a few pervasive themes that spanned everything from the smallest gaming controller to massive industrial machinery. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the undeniable connective tissue. While we have seen the “AI everywhere” trend building for what seems like forever, the post-pandemic pacing seems to have allowed for a maturation of the technology. We saw AI integrated into everything: from Caterpillar’s massive autonomous machines and John Deere’s agricultural harvesters to consumer gadgets like smart ice makers, back braces, and robotic pets.
The integration of AI into hardware has reached a level of complexity that was previously just a pipe dream. Companies are embedding AI behavior into electronic dogs, like the Unitree G1, and even wearable exoskeletons designed to assist with physical impairments. Gaming giant Razer stole the spotlight with Project AVA, a holographic AI companion designed to interact seamlessly with your gaming gear. While some companies focused on flashy peripherals, others are working on “agentic” AI that can learn from your decisions over a 50-hour game to create truly reactive non-player characters (NPCs).
Of course, AI remains a mixed bag. The “uncanny valley” was on full display at the Ultimate Fighting Bots tournament, where humanoid robots sparred in the BattleBots Arena – though not without mishap, as one robot infamously delivered a knockout punch to itself. Elsewhere, autonomous vehicle demonstrations faced hiccups, with some units experiencing power issues that caused minor traffic jams, reminding us that the road to full autonomy is still under construction.
Beyond the main halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the innovation continued in suites and ballrooms across the city, including the Venetian and the ARIA. Events like CES Unveiled and Showstoppers shined a light on smaller companies doing big things. Standouts included AI-powered bird feeders that identify species and capture video, and the Aiper Scuba V3 Ultra. This robotic pool cleaner is a particular dream for anyone dealing with the infamous Vegas winds; it features JellyFloat™ technology, essentially a ballast system that allows it to rise and clean the waterline or dive deep to scrub the floor.
For those who love the eclectic side of tech, the Accessory Power booth felt like the “Spencer’s Gifts” of CES. Known for brands like Enhance, USA Gear, and GOgrooveb, they showcased a delightful array of novelties, including Dungeons & Dragons peripherals and the Sorcerer’s Potion Light (lamps shaped like health and mana potions that swirl with “mystical” fluids). It’s a reminder that CES isn’t just about industrial shifts; it’s about fun.
I could list amazing innovations for days and still only scratch the surface. A single week is simply not enough to see it all; it would take a month to truly appreciate the scale of the show. This is especially true when exploring the international pavilions. National groups from Japan Tech, Italy, and the Netherlands banded together to create massive, cohesive presences. The Netherlands booth, in particular, stood out with its signature orange branding and giveaways of Dutch chocolate – a sweet pause in a frantic week. Meanwhile, Razer hosted a massive presence at the Venetian, and Hyperkin took over a suite at the Westgate to debut their new modular Drakon guitar controller.
This is just the tip of the CES 2026 iceberg. Photos often do it more justice than words, but if you have a passion for technology, there is no substitute for being there. I can’t recommend it enough.
