From climbing vacuums to cyber pets: CES 2026 showcases the future of everyday tech

LAS VEGAS — CES (Consumer Electronics Show) 2026 offered a sweeping look at a future where artificial intelligence, robotics, and immersive technology are no longer experimental concepts but fast-approaching realities, as global tech companies unveiled innovations ranging from stair-climbing vacuums to emotionally responsive “cyber pets.”

Held annually in Las Vegas, the Consumer Electronics Show once again transformed its show floor into a showcase of bendable screens, ultra-thin televisions, autonomous mobility devices and AI-powered gadgets designed to adapt to human behavior.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang captured the event’s overarching theme when he declared, “The ChatGPT moment for physical AI is here,” underscoring how intelligence is now being embedded into everyday objects.

Robots Everywhere

Robots were among the most dominant attractions at CES 2026, appearing as humanoid assistants, task-specific machines and companion devices. They assisted workers, navigated crowds and entertained attendees, signaling how robotics is steadily moving beyond industrial use and into homes and personal spaces.

Lego Blends Nostalgia and Smart Play

Lego leaned heavily into nostalgia while embracing connectivity, unveiling Lego Smart Play, a new interactive platform developed in partnership with Star Wars. Introduced alongside Lucasfilm Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni, the system uses connected bricks equipped with sensors that detect light and distance, triggering synchronized sounds and lighting effects.

The platform allows fans to build interactive scenes such as space battles and lightsaber duels, merging traditional play with digital responsiveness.

The Return of Physical Buttons

Clicks Technology revived the physical phone keyboard with its magnetic Power Keyboard, a clip-on QWERTY accessory compatible with smartphones. Designed as a nod to the Blackberry era, the keyboard features directional keys, a number row and doubles as a wireless power bank.

Co-founder Jeff Gadway described it as “one keyboard for all your smart devices,” appealing to users who miss tactile input in an era dominated by touchscreens.

LG’s Ultra-Thin OLED TV Makes a Comeback

LG Electronics drew attention with the return of its Wallpaper TV line, unveiling the OLED evo W6, an ultra-thin television measuring just 9 millimeters thick. Available in 77- and 83-inch models, the TV displays nearly edge-to-edge visuals, with inputs housed in a separate nearby box.

While pricing was not disclosed, LG said the model can seamlessly stream 4K video and audio.

A Vacuum That Climbs Stairs

Chinese appliance maker Roborock showcased the Saros Rover, a robotic vacuum capable of climbing and cleaning stairs using retractable, leg-like mechanisms. During demonstrations, the vacuum carefully ascended and descended staircases, cleaning each step in the process.

Though still in development, Roborock said the device is designed to navigate various stair styles, including curved and spiral designs.

Razer Introduces AI-Powered Headphones

Gaming company Razer unveiled Project Motoko, an AI-powered headset that functions similarly to smart glasses. Equipped with built-in cameras and microphones, the over-ear headphones can translate text, identify objects and retrieve information in real time.

Users can choose their preferred AI model, including ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude. Razer said consumer data would not be sold for AI training, noting that any enterprise applications would be kept separate.

Extended Reality for Grief Therapy

VHEX Lab introduced SITh.XRaedo, an extended-reality platform designed to help users process grief. Using a single photo, the system creates a virtual avatar that responds through speech and gestures under the guidance of a trained XR therapist.

The platform, which won a digital health innovation award at CES, aims to offer an alternative approach to mourning and emotional closure.

Autonomous Personal Mobility

Singapore-based robotics company Strutt showcased its self-driving personal mobility chair, the EV1, which navigates independently using sensors to detect obstacles, people and walls. Attendees experienced hands-free rides through a demonstration course, highlighting potential applications for mobility assistance.

Cyber Pets Gain Attention

Chinese tech firm Ollobot drew crowds with OlloNi, a rolling, plush-like “cyber pet” designed to express emotion through animated facial displays. Unlike rigid humanoid robots, OlloNi is warm, tactile and responsive, reacting to touch with expressive gestures that amused passersby.

Uber Returns to the Robotaxi Race

Uber revealed its upcoming robotaxi developed with Lucid Motors and autonomous tech firm Nuro. The self-driving vehicle features full 360-degree awareness, a low-profile LED “halo” roof display and customizable in-cabin controls for passengers.

On-road testing began in San Francisco last month, with the companies aiming to launch the service before the end of the year.

A Glimpse of What’s Next

CES 2026 highlighted how artificial intelligence, automation, and immersive technology are rapidly reshaping daily life not as distant concepts, but as consumer-ready tools poised to redefine how people live, work, and interact.