by Xinhua writer Tan Jingjing
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- As the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off Tuesday in Las Vegas, its organizer expects Chinese firms to showcase innovative technologies across key areas, including immersive entertainment, robotics and smart mobility.
"As we look ahead to CES 2026, the energy and innovation on display will be extraordinary," Gary Shapiro, executive chair and CEO of the U.S. Consumer Technology Association (CTA), told Xinhua in a written interview.
"This year's show will spotlight transformative trends across artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, digital health, mobility and energy."
"We're seeing remarkable growth in AI-driven solutions, next-generation vehicles and immersive entertainment experiences," he said. "These technologies are redefining how we live and work."
The world's premier technology event, running through Friday, brings together participants from more than 155 countries and regions, creating opportunities for cross-border partnerships that help accelerate global innovation, according to Shapiro.
This year's event will feature thousands of exhibitors across more than 2.6 million net square feet (242,000 square meters) of exhibition space.
Highlighting the growing presence of Chinese companies, Shapiro said enterprises, such as Geely, Hisense, Lenovo, TCL and Unitree, are showcasing innovation across immersive entertainment, robotics, mobility and other fields.
"CES is a gathering place and a convener," Shapiro said, noting that Lenovo will host its Tech World event at the Sphere during the show, while other companies will organize leadership meetings alongside the exhibition.
According to Shapiro, AI will take center stage at this year's event, driving breakthroughs in personalized health diagnostics, autonomous mobility, industrial automation and creative tools. He noted that AI agents are increasingly becoming "true partners" that can act on users' behalf, anticipate needs and boost productivity.
"Digital twins will help us model real systems and make smarter, safer choices before acting in the real world," he said. AI is also making consumer devices more personal and intuitive, from smartphones and personal computers to televisions and smart glasses, he added.
As another major focus of the show, Shapiro said, robotic technologies are making homes smarter, farms more productive and factories safer and more efficient, with future developments aimed at advancing mobility and enabling robots to perform multiple tasks effectively.
To showcase advancements in AI and quantum technologies, CES 2026 will introduce a new area called CES Foundry, featuring live demonstrations, networking opportunities and two content stages.
As the world's largest platform for technology collaboration, CES 2026 is expected to foster deeper cooperation in key areas such as AI, manufacturing and digital health through expanded conference tracks and networking programs. "These are critical areas for addressing global challenges," Shapiro said.
"CES is where the future comes to life," he added. "We're thrilled to welcome innovators from around the world to join us in shaping what's next." ■