As the world turns the page into 2026, all eyes in the tech universe are fixed on Las Vegas, where CES 2026 is poised to set the tone for the year’s biggest innovations. But if you’re expecting a parade of flashy concept cars and jaw-dropping vehicle debuts, think again. This year, the world’s largest consumer electronics show is taking a decidedly different route—one paved with artificial intelligence, robotics, and the quiet but powerful march of software redefining nearly every device in our lives.
According to Mashable, the automotive industry’s presence at CES 2026 will be less about hardware spectacle and more about the software and AI systems driving the next phase of mobility. Sony-Honda Mobility Group is back, showcasing a “pre-production” version of its AFEELA 1 electric vehicle (EV), along with a new concept car. While the company’s definition of “pre-production” is a bit fuzzy—the version shown last year already looked road-ready—what’s crystal clear is that production is set to begin in 2026, with California as the initial launchpad for these vehicles.
Yet, it’s not just about the cars themselves. The real story is the industry-wide pivot toward what experts call software-defined vehicles. These are cars that can evolve after they leave the factory, thanks to operating systems, over-the-air updates, and modular software stacks. Companies like P3 are using CES as a platform to show how Android Automotive-based systems will allow automakers to roll out new features, apps, and even entirely new services long after a car is sold. For drivers, this could mean infotainment systems that get smarter over time or safety features that adapt to changing road conditions. For automakers, it’s about speed, flexibility, and—let’s be honest—new revenue streams.
But there’s another layer: the rise of agentic AI. Unlike traditional systems that simply respond to commands, these AI platforms are designed to make decisions on behalf of the driver. At CES 2026, expect to see demonstrations of AI systems handling route planning, energy management, and adaptive driver assistance that responds in real-time. As Mashable notes, "agentic AI" is a meaningful attempt at innovation, but it’s also stirring debate about privacy and how much control drivers are willing to give up behind the wheel.
Stepping beyond the car, CES 2026 is set to showcase a tidal wave of AI advances across the entire technology landscape. Arm—the company whose compute platforms power everything from smartphones to supercomputers—describes this as the year when physical AI, edge AI, and extended reality converge. Vehicles, robots, and machines are not just seeing and understanding the world—they’re acting on it, safely and autonomously.
Automakers are moving from software-defined vehicles to what’s now being called AI-defined platforms. Real-time perception, prediction, and split-second decision-making are no longer futuristic dreams; they’re foundational capabilities. Rivian’s in-house autonomy platform, built on a custom Arm-based chip, will be on display, promising a wide range of advanced autonomy features. Tesla’s next-generation AI5 chip, also Arm-based, is delivering up to 40 times faster AI performance than its predecessor, highlighting how efficiency and scalability are crucial as AI becomes the backbone of physical mobility.
Meanwhile, the Arm-based NVIDIA DRIVE Thor platform is powering the Lenovo HPC 3.0 system behind WeRide’s Level 4 Robotaxi GXR, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in autonomous driving. Digital twins and virtual platforms like Siemens’ PAVE360 Automotive technology are also in the spotlight, accelerating the integration of new features from simulation to real-world deployment. Companies such as Nuro, Wayve, and Zoox continue to refine their autonomous services within defined operating zones, inching closer to widespread adoption.
Robotics at CES 2026 is leaping from the lab into the everyday. DEEP Robotics’ LYNX M20 Pro, a quadruped robot built for industrial inspection and emergency operations, can traverse rugged terrain that would challenge even the hardiest of wheeled machines. Service robots from Roborock and PUDU Robotics are becoming a familiar sight, handling cleaning, delivery, and hospitality tasks in busy indoor spaces. Humanoid robots from companies like Agility Robotics, AGIBOT, and Galbot have already seen thousands of units deployed in commercial environments. As Arm highlights, these advances are powered by more efficient AI models, smarter sensors, and energy-efficient system integration.
But it’s not just about big machines. AI is becoming a staple in the devices people use every day. On-device AI is now standard on PCs, laptops, tablets, and workstations. Windows on Arm, with over 100 models planned for 2026, is pushing AI into the mainstream, while Apple’s M-series MacBooks and Google Chromebooks are proving that performance and battery life can go hand in hand. The NVIDIA DGX Spark, introduced at last year’s CES, returns as a compact AI workstation capable of running massive language models and image generation workflows locally, without ever touching the cloud.
Wearables are smarter and more personal than ever. Meta’s latest Ray-Ban smart glasses, paired with a Neural Band control device, offer hands-free capture, voice interaction, and spatial AI—all running on Arm CPUs and Ethos-U55 NPUs, within strict power limits. The Oura Ring Gen 4, another Arm-powered marvel, tracks sleep, stress, and recovery for days on a single charge, moving health wearables from simple trackers to true daily companions.
Smart homes are getting an AI upgrade, too. Devices like Google Nest and smart TVs from Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense are acting as control hubs, handling tasks like presence detection, local voice control, and automation flows right on the device. This shift to local AI processing addresses privacy concerns and energy management needs, making connected homes more reliable and efficient. Most sensors, cameras, and thermostats rely on Arm-based microcontrollers to balance power consumption with performance.
Looking forward, CES 2026 will also highlight the next wave of ambient AI. New endpoint platforms like Alif’s Ensemble E8, built on Arm technology, will show how ultra-low-power nodes can handle complex workloads at the very edge, hinting at a future where intelligence is embedded everywhere, even in the tiniest devices.
Yet, the mood at CES 2026 is noticeably more grounded than in previous years. According to Mashable, after a period of aggressive EV timelines and bold promises, automakers are now embracing what analysts call an era of “EV realism.” U.S. EV sales peaked in late 2025 before dropping sharply due to the expiration of federal incentives, forcing companies like GM and Ford to scale back their EV investments and refocus on hybrids, trucks, and SUVs that actually sell. As a result, CES 2026 is less about headline-grabbing launches and more about the nuts and bolts: chips, sensors, robotics, and manufacturing technologies that, while less glamorous, are essential to the industry’s future.
By the time the Las Vegas halls empty out, the message will be clear: CES 2026 is where intelligence—powered by Arm and a host of other innovators—is becoming seamlessly embedded across every facet of technology. Whether it’s in your car, your pocket, or your living room, AI is no longer a promise for tomorrow; it’s the reality of today.
