Future of Robots on Display at CES - bloomberg-technology Recap

Podcast: bloomberg-technology

Published: 2026-01-08

Duration: 44 minutes

Guests: Jan Liphardt, Jacob Helberg, Steve Jang

Summary

While humanoid robots showcase impressive capabilities at CES, their home adoption remains distant. Industry leaders discuss advances and strategies in AI robotics and technology.

What Happened

Humanoid robots at CES demonstrate advanced AI capabilities, from folding laundry to lifting boxes, yet widespread use in homes remains a far-off goal. Jan Liphardt, CEO of OpenMind, highlights that while robots excel in controlled environments, challenges persist in adapting them for dynamic, real-world settings. OpenMind's software powers nearly half of the humanoid robots at the event, showcasing the company's influence in the robotics space.

China's semiconductor market presents a $50 billion opportunity for Nvidia, despite restrictions on military and state-backed enterprise use. Nvidia's strategic positioning in AI, particularly with its H200 chips, is pivotal as companies like ByteDance and Baidu express interest in large-scale purchases.

Anthropic and OpenAI are raising significant funds, with Anthropic's valuation reaching $350 billion and OpenAI potentially hitting $750 billion. These companies are leading the charge in AI innovation, with Anthropic focusing on ethical AI and enterprise solutions, setting itself apart from consumer-oriented OpenAI.

The episode explores the deployment of robotics in logistics, with Amazon's use of 1.1 million robots indicating that pick and place tasks are effectively resolved. This development underscores the potential for scaling robotic solutions in various industries, including elder care, which is seen as an emerging frontier.

Hyundai's ambitious plan to construct a factory in Savannah, Georgia, by 2028 aims to manufacture 10,000 to 30,000 humanoid robots annually. This move reflects the growing industrial interest in humanoid robots, although mass production for consumer markets remains a challenge.

XReal's unveiling of new AR glasses at CES marks a significant step in augmented reality. Priced at $429, these glasses feature real-time 2D to 3D conversion, emphasizing XReal's focus on partnerships and innovation in the AR space. The company's collaboration with Google for Android XR further highlights its strategic positioning.

Key Insights