Robotics, Autonomy and AI Monetisation Dominate CES 2026 Themes
Robotics, autonomous technology, and the monetisation of artificial intelligence are set to define the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, according to technology industry investment analyst Dan Ives. Speaking on Monday, a day before the show’s official opening, Ives said these developments represent the next major wave of innovation driving global markets.
AI and Robotics at the Forefront
“It’s about robotics and autonomous,” said Ives, the global head of technology research at Wedbush Securities. Using a baseball analogy to describe the early stage of growth in the tech market, he added, “We’re still in the third inning, one out, in a nine-inning game.”
This year’s CES, running from 6 to 9 January, spans 13 venues and more than 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space. Thousands of companies are showcasing new technologies, with artificial intelligence expected to dominate discussions across all sectors — from mobility and automation to consumer electronics and healthcare.
Chipmakers Lead the AI Revolution
During Monday’s media preview, major chipmakers took centre stage. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang confirmed that the company’s next generation of chips is in full production, while AMD CEO Lisa Su unveiled a new, higher-performing AI processor designed for enterprise and data centre applications.
Ives said these announcements underline how CES has shifted its focus in recent years. “For years, CES was maybe about talking refrigerators and drones. Now it’s about the AI revolution,” he remarked. “Obviously Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Lisa Su of AMD and others — it’s really the blueprint for the tech world globally, what it’s going to look like in 2026.”
Monetising the AI Boom
Industry analysts expect the conversation at CES 2026 to revolve not only around technological capability but also around how companies can profit from the AI surge. From advanced robotics to autonomous vehicles, firms are exploring ways to commercialise AI-driven systems, transforming efficiency and expanding revenue opportunities.
As the AI ecosystem matures, companies are expected to focus increasingly on integrating automation with real-world applications in industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and digital entertainment. With robotics and autonomy leading the charge, CES 2026 appears set to mark a turning point in how artificial intelligence is deployed and monetised on a global scale.
with inputs from Reuters
