AI Takes Physical Form... CES 2026 Ushers in the Era of Physical AI [Previewing CES]

Transition from AI That Responds with Words to Technology That Moves in the Real World

At CES 2026, the world’s largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition opening on January 6 next month in Las Vegas, United States (local time), “Physical AI”-artificial intelligence that makes decisions, moves, and performs tasks autonomously-will take center stage. Physical AI refers to technology that recognizes and acts within real-world spaces through physical devices such as robots and machines, demonstrating that AI has advanced beyond simply responding verbally to now operating in the physical world. Unlike previous years, the emergence of AI technologies that move beyond the screen and into the real world is seen as a significant shift, with such innovations now at the heart of CES.

According to the CES 2026 preview report released by Samjong KPMG Economic Research Institute, this year’s exhibition marks the full-scale implementation of agentic AI and physical AI, which go beyond generative AI to autonomously set and execute their own goals. Lee Hyojeong, Executive Director at Samjong KPMG Economic Research Institute, analyzed, “AI is no longer confined to the digital realm but is beginning to function as an active agent in the physical world,” adding, “The focus of technology is shifting from explanatory capabilities to execution capabilities.”

While CES has traditionally showcased the potential of AI, 2026 is being hailed as the first year in which AI moves beyond demonstration to directly operating robots, devices, and systems. At this year’s CES, the evolution of physical AI will be concretely demonstrated through live showcases. Hyundai Motor Group will present a live demonstration of the next-generation electric humanoid robot “Atlas” developed by Boston Dynamics. The company also plans to unveil a robotics ecosystem strategy that extends beyond the laboratory to real industrial environments such as manufacturing and logistics. Global robotics companies are also entering the competition with mass-produced humanoids and affordable models. Agility Robotics will showcase its mass-produced humanoid “Digit,” while China’s Unitree Robotics will display its low-cost humanoid “G1.” Humanoid models that integrate conversational AI will also be unveiled.

Boston Dynamics Atlas performing tasks. The Asia Business Daily DB

The semiconductors and computational technologies that underpin the spread of physical AI will also be prominently featured at the exhibition. The core technology is on-device AI, which enables robots and autonomous systems to make decisions independently without relying on external cloud connections. South Korean company MaumAI will unveil “MAIED,” an on-device physical AI brain for robots, while major semiconductor companies such as Nvidia, AMD, and Intel will introduce next-generation AI accelerators and robotic simulation platforms optimized for physical AI computation. This is seen as evidence that the competition to advance robot intelligence is expanding from software to hardware infrastructure.

For this CES, Samsung Electronics will operate its largest-ever exclusive exhibition hall, approximately 4,628 square meters in size, at the Wynn Hotel, a luxury venue outside its usual main location at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Internally, Samsung Electronics President Roh Taemoon (Head of DX Division and MX Business) reportedly instructed, “If the main exhibition hall is an ordinary store, make the Samsung booth like a luxury boutique.” The aim is to showcase every aspect of Samsung’s AI Home, focusing on experience-driven demonstrations of physical AI where appliances and devices move and operate together in real spaces, rather than listing AI features individually. LG Electronics plans to present concrete usage scenarios in which AI-powered smart home hubs and household assistant robots assist with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. This demonstrates that AI has moved beyond voice responses and information provision to performing roles in real-world environments. Baek Seungtae, Executive Vice President and Head of HS Business Division at LG Electronics, stated, “At CES 2026, we will showcase LG Electronics’ efforts toward the ‘Zero Labor Home’ vision, including the home robot LG CLOi.”

LG Electronics Home Robot LG CLOi. LG Electronics

Another key highlight at this CES will be real-world applications of physical AI closely integrated into industry and daily life. Doosan Robotics will exhibit the “Scan & Go” robot, which automates inspection and processing of large structures, demonstrating its applicability in manufacturing and construction sites. This product combines AI with three-dimensional vision technology to autonomously recognize objects and perform tasks, distinguishing it from conventional industrial robots that focus on repetitive movements.

From a technology trend perspective, agentic AI-which enables robots to assess situations and perform tasks without user commands-is being fully introduced, while spatial computing, which combines extended reality and advanced sensor technology, has also emerged as a core element of physical AI. These foundational technologies are drawing attention for their ability to deliver more sophisticated user experiences in areas such as mobility and smart homes.

Chinese companies are also making aggressive moves with physical AI. Numerous AI-based robots capable of movement and response in disaster sites, as well as humanoid robots that mimic human actions, will be exhibited, emphasizing that robots have moved beyond “showcase technologies” to actual deployment. Products designed for physical environments, such as robot vacuum cleaners that can cross thresholds and understand spaces, will also be introduced at a commercial-ready level.

The industry views CES 2026 as a turning point in the competition for AI technology. There is a consensus that AI capable of moving and operating in the real world, rather than simply responding verbally, has become the focal point of competition. This CES, with its strong emphasis on physical AI, is expected to serve as a benchmark for the future direction of AI technology and its industrial applications.