by The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is making a strong comeback after the pandemic-induced hiatus, as artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into various products, from bicycles to baby bottles. CES, known as the ultimate tech showcase, is set to commence in Las Vegas with over 3,500 exhibitors and an expected 130,000 attendees.
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were doubts about the future of CES, but it is now attracting smaller companies seeking to gain attention that they may have missed out on at their own events. “After COVID, some people thought they were not going back,” says Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies. However, the allure of being part of the conversation at CES has drawn these companies back to the event.
Although CES has increasingly become a platform for startups, it will also feature big industry players like Amazon, Google, Intel, Netflix, Samsung, Sony, and TikTok. Analysts predict that AI will dominate the product pitches at this year’s CES.
Tech analyst Avi Greengart humorously warns against creating a drinking game based on the number of times AI is mentioned at CES, as attendees will likely be inebriated before the event even starts. Greengart explains that AI models have significantly improved since the last CES, citing OpenAI’s ChatGPT as an example, and are now being applied in meaningful ways to benefit consumers.
According to Forrester principal analyst Thomas Husson, it is evident that AI will be a central focus at CES, with emphasis on AI-driven consumer experiences that are both immersive and imperceptible. The event will showcase a range of innovative technologies, including Lumen’s glasses for the blind, which use AI to alert wearers to potential hazards, such as puddles, and Shift Robotics’ Moonwalkers shoes, allowing users to walk at a running pace without exerting excessive effort.
Furthermore, exhibitors have indicated that AI will be integrated into various household devices, sound systems, automobiles, televisions, baby bottles, and even beds. However, analyst Carolina Milanesi warns that while there will be a significant AI presence, not all products will deliver as promised, likening the situation to “green washing” that occurred a few years ago.
In addition to AI integration, CES will also feature eye-catching televisions from LG and other brands, as well as automotive innovations, showcasing the growing convergence between vehicles and consumer electronics. Analyst Avi Greengart describes CES as an automotive show, given that cars have transformed into rolling software platforms, and anticipates numerous announcements in this sector.
Prominent chip manufacturers like Intel will use CES as an opportunity to highlight their latest semiconductors designed to handle complex computing tasks. Nvidia, on the other hand, plans a special address at CES, focusing on consumer technologies and robotics. Nvidia’s chips are in high demand among companies seeking to power generative AI.
Greengart expects health-related innovations to be a significant theme at CES, with sensors embedded in mirrors, wearables, and other devices to measure vital signs and promote personal wellness. Notable keynote speakers at CES include L’Oreal CEO Nicolas Hieronimus and the co-founder and CEO of Snap, Evan Spiegel.
As CES returns to the tech industry calendar, it is clear that AI will take center stage, transforming old trends and paving the way for new and innovative applications. The integration of AI into a wide range of products and industries underscores the growing influence of AI in shaping consumer experiences and technological advancements.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
