AI Gets a Body: CES 2026 Ushers in the Era of Physical AI [Previewing CES]

Transitioning from Voice-Responsive AI to Technologies That Move in the Real World

At CES 2026, the world's largest consumer electronics and information technology exhibition opening on January 6 next month (local time) in Las Vegas, USA, "Physical AI," which autonomously makes decisions, moves, and performs tasks, will take center stage. Physical AI refers to technology that enables robots and devices to perceive and act within real-world environments through physical apparatus, marking a transition from AI that merely responds verbally to AI that operates in the physical world. Unlike previous years, the emergence of AI technologies that move beyond screens and into physical action is seen as a significant shift at CES.

According to the CES 2026 preview report released by Samjong KPMG Economic Research Institute, this year's exhibition marks the point where agentic AI, which sets and executes its own goals, and physical AI are being fully realized, surpassing generative AI. Lee Hyojeong, Executive Director at Samjong KPMG Economic Research Institute, analyzed, "AI is no longer confined to the digital domain but is beginning to function as an actor in the physical world," adding, "The focus of technology is shifting from explanatory capabilities to execution capabilities."

Whereas CES has previously showcased the potential of AI, 2026 is being hailed as the first year when AI moves robots, devices, and systems directly. At this CES, the evolution of physical AI will be demonstrated through live demonstrations. Hyundai Motor Group will showcase the next-generation electric humanoid robot "Atlas" from Boston Dynamics in a live demonstration. The company also plans to present its robotics ecosystem strategy for real-world industrial environments, including manufacturing and logistics, beyond the laboratory. Global robotics companies will also join the competition with mass-produced humanoids and low-cost models. Agility Robotics will exhibit its mass-produced humanoid "Digit," while China's Unitree Robotics will display its affordable humanoid "G1." Humanoid models combined with conversational AI will also be unveiled.

Boston Dynamics Atlas performing tasks. The Asia Business Daily DB

Semiconductors and computing technologies, which form the foundation for the proliferation of physical AI, will also be prominently featured at the exhibition. The core is on-device AI technology, which enables robots and autonomous systems to make decisions independently without connecting to external cloud services. The 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 robot simulation platforms optimized for physical AI computation. The competition to enhance robot intelligence is expanding from software to hardware infrastructure.

This year, Samsung Electronics will operate its largest-ever exclusive exhibition hall, about 4,628 square meters, at the Wynn Hotel, moving beyond its traditional main venue at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). Noh Taemoon, President and Head of the DX Division and MX Business at Samsung Electronics, reportedly instructed internally, "If the main exhibition hall is an ordinary store, make the Samsung booth like a luxury boutique." The aim is to showcase the entirety of Samsung AI Home, but rather than listing AI functions individually, the focus will be on providing an experiential demonstration of physical AI, where appliances and devices move and operate together in real space. LG Electronics plans to present specific use scenarios in which AI-powered smart home hubs and household assistant robots support human labor in daily life, such as cooking, cleaning, and caregiving. This demonstrates that AI has advanced beyond voice responses and information provision to performing roles through movement in real-world spaces. Baek Seungtae, Executive Vice President and Head of the HS Business Division at LG Electronics, said, "At CES 2026, we will showcase LG Electronics' efforts for the 'Zero Labor Home' vision, including the home robot LG CLOi."

LG Electronics Home Robot LG CLOi. LG Electronics

Another key highlight of CES will be the application of physical AI in industrial and everyday settings. Doosan Robotics will exhibit the "Scan & Go" robot, which automates inspection and processing of large structures, showcasing its potential for use in manufacturing and construction. This product combines AI with three-dimensional vision technology, enabling it to recognize objects and perform tasks autonomously, distinguishing it from traditional industrial robots focused on repetitive motions.

In terms of technology trends, agentic AI, which enables robots to independently assess situations and perform tasks without user commands, is being introduced in earnest. Spatial computing, which combines extended reality and sophisticated sensor technology, has also emerged as a core element of physical AI. These foundational technologies are attracting attention for their ability to refine user experiences in various fields such as mobility and smart homes.

Chinese companies are also mounting an offensive with physical AI. Numerous AI-based robots capable of moving and responding in disaster situations and humanoid robots that mimic human movements will be exhibited, emphasizing that robots are advancing beyond "showcase technology" to actual deployment. Products designed for physical environments, such as robot vacuum cleaners that can cross thresholds and understand spaces, will also be presented at a commercialized level.

The industry views CES 2026 as a turning point in the competition for AI technology. There is a consensus that AI, which moves and operates in the real world rather than merely responding verbally, has become the focal point of competition. This CES, which puts physical AI at the forefront, is expected to serve as a benchmark for the future direction of AI technology and its industrial applications.