AI at CES 2026: Technologies Enter the Real World

AI became the main trend at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. Companies have shown a transition from text-based models to Physical AI and agentive systems that are capable of acting independently in the real world — from robots to smart services.

At the international CES 2026 exhibition in Las Vegas (January 6-9), leading technology companies presented a new stage in the development of artificial intelligence, writes xrust. The main focus is the transition from text AI to Physical AI and Agentive AI, capable of independently making decisions and managing physical devices.

Experts call this shift a key event for the technology market in 2026.

AI at CES 2026: key announcements

CES traditionally sets the technology agenda year. In 2026, the central theme is AI, which is no longer limited to digital responses.

Manufacturers and developers presented solutions where AI:

• interacts with the physical world;
• analyzes the environment in real time;
• performs tasks without constant human commands.

We are talking about practical scenarios aimed at the mass user.

AI and Physical AI: from words to actions

Physical AI is artificial intelligence built into real devices and machines. It combines AI algorithms, sensors, cameras and mechanical systems.

What companies showed at CES 2026

• household robots capable of navigating around the house and performing tasks without scripts;
• smart cars with extended autonomy;
• AI-enabled medical devices for doctors;
• industrial robots that learn on the job.

According to NVIDIA, Physical AI is made possible by the development of computing platforms and real-world simulations. Details are published on the company's official website:
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/ai/

New generation AI: what are agentive systems

Another key trend of CES 2026 is agentive AI. Unlike conventional assistants, such systems act as independent “agents.”

The main difference between agentive AI

• forms an action plan independently;
• performs chains of tasks without human intervention;
• adapts to changing conditions.

In practice, this means that AI can not just respond, but carry out complex processes — from service management to business operations.

OpenAI has previously noted that agentive systems will be the basis of future AI platforms:
https://openai.com/research/

AI Goes Massive: Why It Matters

CES 2026 showed: AI is no longer a tool for developers and corporate laboratories.

What changes for regular users

• technology works out of the box;
• fewer manual settings;
• AI adapts to everyday habits.

Manufacturers rely on simplicity and automation, which speeds up the mass implementation of new solutions.

Expert comment from CES 2026

Independent consultant on AI and robotics Alexey Morozov, present at the exhibition, noted in the commentary:

“CES 2026 marked a turning point: AI ceased to be an interface and became an active participant in processes. Physical AI and agent systems are no longer concepts, but commercial products.”

According to him, in the next two years, such solutions will begin to actively enter the market.

Risks and regulation of AI

Despite the technological breakthrough, companies and experts recognize the existence of risks.

Key questions

• security of autonomous solutions;
• control of AI actions;
• responsibility for errors;
• protection of personal data.

Regulation and standards for the use of AI became a separate topic of discussion at CES 2026.

How AI came to CES 2026

Previously, the development of AI went from text models to multimodal systems working with images, video and sound. The next logical step was the introduction of AI into physical objects and processes.

CES 2026 was the first exhibition where this transition was shown on a mass scale.

What's next: forecast after CES 2026

Analysts expect what:

• Physical AI will become the standard for smart devices;
• Agentic AI will enter services, business and logistics;
• Autonomous systems will be actively implemented in 2026–2027.

AI will increasingly work unnoticed, becoming part of everyday infrastructure.

Xrust AI at CES 2026: Technologies Enter the Real World