The First Year of the Physical AI Era
AI Evolving Beyond Generative AI
Innovations Unveiled by Nvidia, AMD, and More
Home Appliances and Mobility Embrace 'Robotics'
Artificial intelligence (AI) is stepping out of the realm of concepts on screens and emerging as a physical presence. With the opening of CES 2026, the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, approaching, the industry's attention is turning to Las Vegas. This year's CES is expected to serve as a stage where 'physical AI'-integrated into robots, devices, and spaces-takes center stage, moving beyond generative AI.
According to the industry on January 2, CES 2026 will feature participation from around 4,500 companies representing more than 150 countries worldwide. From Korea alone, about 1,000 companies-including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motor Group, as well as mid-sized firms and startups-will take part in the exhibition.
At this CES, the central keyword for events, exhibitions, and networking is AI. However, the focus has shifted. Moving away from generative AI, which has dominated exhibition halls for several years since ChatGPT, physical AI is now coming to the forefront-AI that perceives, judges, and acts in the real world through sensors and actuators. Additionally, agent-type AI, which makes decisions and operates autonomously without user intervention, and ambient AI, which permeates the entire environment, are expected to spread across smart homes, mobility, and robotics.
Among global technology companies, Nvidia is once again in the spotlight. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, is expected to outline a business strategy centered on agent-type AI and physical AI during a special address at CES 2026. There is also interest in whether he will discuss the direction of next-generation AI accelerator development and potential collaborations with memory companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, who will deliver the official opening keynote, is also set to unveil AI computing solutions in response. The technology competition among major semiconductor companies including Intel and Qualcomm is expected to become even more pronounced.
Among Korean companies, Hyundai Motor Group's activities are drawing attention. The group's robotics affiliate, Boston Dynamics, will present a live demonstration of its humanoid robot 'Atlas' for the first time at CES 2026. LG Electronics will unveil its new home robot 'LG CLOiD,' showcasing its vision for an AI-based smart home. On January 4 (local time), one day before the official opening of CES 2026, Samsung Electronics plans to introduce its AI portable projector 'The Freestyle+' at 'The First Look' event in Las Vegas, United States.
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