At CES 2026: The Rise of Physical AI

Loading the player…
After years of chatbots and image generators, artificial intelligence is finally breaking free from the confines of the screen. This pivotal shift was on full display at CES 2026.
The annual technology showcase in Las Vegas was overwhelmingly focused on "physical AI" and robotics. Exhibits ranged from Boston Dynamics' latest iteration of the Atlas humanoid robot to AI-powered appliances like smart ice makers. The participating companies sent a strong signal to consumers: AI is no longer limited to processing information. It's now being engineered to perform tangible work—from maneuvering automotive components in factories and intercepting drones with nets, to entertaining crowds at car company displays.
Join TechCrunch’s Equity podcast as we analyze the standout moments from CES 2026 and discuss the week's most intriguing business deals.
Related article
Warner Music acquires AI attribution startup Sureel AI
Warner Music Group (WMG) confirmed on Wednesday that it is acquiring Sureel AI, an artificial intelligence attribution startup. Sureel’s proprietary technology generates “AI DNA” for musical tracks, deconstructing them into constituent elements to tr
Amazon introduces Alexa for Shopping while pushing Rufus to the background
Amazon has launched Alexa for Shopping, merging its Rufus shopping chatbot with Alexa+ across the app, website, and Echo Show devices.The assistant answers product queries, compares items, tracks prices, and supports shopping reminders. It also handl
Microsoft, Azure and AI Tech Combat California Wildfire Risks
Microsoft invests in AI-driven wildfire detection, with Juan Lavista Ferres, CVP and Chief Data Scientist, discussing strategies to mitigate environmental damage.According to NASA, climate change impacts everyone on Earth, manifesting as rising tempe
Related Special Topic Recommendations
Comments (0)
0/500

Loading the player…
After years of chatbots and image generators, artificial intelligence is finally breaking free from the confines of the screen. This pivotal shift was on full display at CES 2026.
The annual technology showcase in Las Vegas was overwhelmingly focused on "physical AI" and robotics. Exhibits ranged from Boston Dynamics' latest iteration of the Atlas humanoid robot to AI-powered appliances like smart ice makers. The participating companies sent a strong signal to consumers: AI is no longer limited to processing information. It's now being engineered to perform tangible work—from maneuvering automotive components in factories and intercepting drones with nets, to entertaining crowds at car company displays.
Join TechCrunch’s Equity podcast as we analyze the standout moments from CES 2026 and discuss the week's most intriguing business deals.
Warner Music acquires AI attribution startup Sureel AI
Warner Music Group (WMG) confirmed on Wednesday that it is acquiring Sureel AI, an artificial intelligence attribution startup. Sureel’s proprietary technology generates “AI DNA” for musical tracks, deconstructing them into constituent elements to tr
Microsoft, Azure and AI Tech Combat California Wildfire Risks
Microsoft invests in AI-driven wildfire detection, with Juan Lavista Ferres, CVP and Chief Data Scientist, discussing strategies to mitigate environmental damage.According to NASA, climate change impacts everyone on Earth, manifesting as rising tempe





Home






