The biggest takeaway from CES 2025 was the deep integration of AI in consumer technology. From TVs and refrigerators to washing machines, projectors, soundbars, and even robovacs and lawn mowers, nearly every smart home device became part of this “AI-fication.” This AI incorporation was not limited to smart home devices but also extended to wearables, PCs, robotics, vehicle tech, and more.
A year later, CES 2026 appears to offer a more mature landscape. The “AI-fication” hasn’t cooled, but rather transposed into hardware technologies that work faster, smarter, and are more seamlessly integrated into our lives. AI remains a central focus, but this is the year it begins to feel genuinely useful, as attention shifts to solutions that address real problems and find a lasting place in our homes and daily routines. That said, here are some of the predictions and trends we believe will shape and dominate CES 2026.
AI Here, AI There, AI Everywhere
We knew AI was coming, but its rapid evolution into physical hardware might arrive sooner than many expected. No longer limited to software apps or cloud-based language models, AI is integrating deeply into connected devices across smart homes, health, robotics, mobility, and more. If you think I am exaggerating, ask iMpact PR Agency founder Chris Pereira, who is handling a dozen such clients at CES.
“At CES 2026, I am expecting to see a spotlight on AI + hardware, specifically moving from software and language processing to intelligent, connected hardware and real-world applications. Expect breakthroughs in AI for smart homes, health diagnostics, robotics, and mobility, alongside a surge in China-origin brands moving upscale with world-class design and localization,” Chris tells me.
The Battle for RGBs and Art TVs has Commenced
Ever since Samsung announced its 115-inch RGB TV last year, it was only a matter of time before brands doubled down on their RGB TV lineups. This was followed by HiSense RGB TV and the recently announced LG RGB iteration. Either way, the race for better color accuracy and premium display tech is heating up, and TVs are only going to get bigger and brighter. Sarah Larsen, Hisense’s CMO, in an interview with Tom’s Guide, stated how the brand’s more affordable pricing will drive its success in 2026. While exact prices aren’t known yet, Hisense’s RGB TVs are expected to seriously challenge Samsung and LG.
Even though this sounds very mundane, expect your TVs to be a lot more Artsy too. There’s bound to be a fierce four-way battle between LG, Samsung, TCL, and Hisense over size, contrast, brightness, and technology, but don’t count out Displace, Sylvox, and other small-to-mid players, as any one of them could surprise us and walk away with bragging rights.
Dolby Vision 2 vs. HDR10+ Advanced: The HDR Showdown
Dolby Vision 2 made its debut at IFA 2025, with Hisense becoming the first brand to announce support for it in premium models, such as its RGB-MiniLED TVs. This next-gen HDR promises dramatically improved brightness (in some demos, over twice as bright), better motion handling, content intelligence, and environmental adaptation.
This has put Samsung and LG on notice. Expect Samsung to push its rumored HDR10+ Advanced standard at CES 2026, a direct rival featuring enhanced brightness, adaptive tone mapping, and optimized performance for sports and gaming. While soundbars, speakers, and hi-fi audio gear will also be plentiful, Samsung and LG are poised to dominate the bragging rights here, too.
Brace Yourself for an Army of Humanoids
There are multiple rumors that Samsung will introduce the Ballie rolling robot again. Well, I can’t confirm that, but what I can attest is that such pet-like bots from various brands will appear. However, the real star of the show will be full-fledged humanoid robots capable of handling real household tasks. LG is set to unveil its CLOiD humanoid home assistant, designed for chores like folding laundry, tidying, and more, powered by its “Affectionate Intelligence” AI that senses moods and adapts to routines. Watch closely for debuts or prototypes from Switchbot, Robotera, Swancor Prime, and others, especially SwitchBot, whose reps teased their lineup to me, stating they’re bringing the “most accessible household robot to the show.”
AI Companion Devices for Emotional Support and Everyday Interaction
We’ve seen AI pillows and robot pets before, but this time around, you can expect companies to go one step further and introduce devices that go beyond the limitations of traditional voice assistants. These devices would be able to read and understand emotions, adapt to real-time context, and provide human-like warmth and companionship. Watch for Chinese companies that are going to present a gaggle of such devices.
What’s up with Robovacs and Lawn Mowers?
There will be an array of new robot vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers launched at CES, including the likes of xLean, which debuted at IFA, Robotin, and Fraction, both fresh off successful Kickstarter campaigns, showcasing their respective models. “CES 2026 is a milestone for us to introduce robotic carpet washing as a new category and highlight an industry shift after 150 years of manual carpet cleaning. We expect CES to validate strong interest in hands-free, hot-water deep washing for real homes,” Robotin CEO Jun Long tells me.
The biggest surprise, however, could come from Roborock, which may unveil a vacuum capable of climbing stairs without relying on an external base. Dreame, Eufy, and Narwal have remained silent on their innovation, and we totally expect them to drop some bangers during the show.
As far as lawn mowers are concerned, I hate to be the guy to break it, but don’t expect a full-fledged robotic arm from a mower yet. NexLawn teased us with a prototype during IFA, but insiders reveal that work is still due before it can be put into production. That said, several companies, including ANTHBOT, Mammotion, Litheli, Sunseekers, and others, will present impressive models. What they will reveal is strictly under embargo for now.
Other Surprise Elements
CES is famous for weird and wonderful concepts. Expect surprises from companies like Yukai Engineering and Kirin Holdings (both registered for the show), along with coffee machines, beer brewers, air-to-water generators, AI Tennis Machine, and more. Many of these quirky products have already raised funds on Kickstarter and will debut or go on sale around or after CES. “Expect the unexpected,” Yukai Engineering PR team teases, who remain very secretive about their CES 2026 surprise.
Computer, Automobile, and Others
CES always delivers surprises in laptops, PCs, and cars, categories beyond our usual home tech focus at Homecrux. In automotive, the emphasis will be on smarter energy use, reclaiming power, strengthening local grids, and integrating systems more efficiently. Todd Fairbairn, Global Marketing Executive at Emotiv and former Ford Marketing Manager, tells me, “Whether it’s reclaiming power, strengthening local grids, or integrating new systems faster, the next wave of mobility is about using every watt more intelligently. That’s what will separate noise from real innovation this year.” As far as PCs and laptops are concerned, expect an array of rollable, foldable, and sleek devices.
Overall, CES 2026 is shaping up to be quite an event. From AI moving beyond screens to humanoids handling real tasks and TVs getting bigger and brighter, there’s a lot to look forward to, so sit tight and let the show begin.
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