CES 2026 was all about “physical AI” and robots, robots, robots - Equity Recap
Podcast: Equity
Published: 2026-01-09
Duration: 34 minutes
Guests: Kirsten Korosek, Anthony Ha, John O'Kane, Vanessa Larko
Summary
CES 2026 showcased the evolution of AI from digital interfaces to tangible applications. The event highlighted 'physical AI' with innovations in robotics, setting the stage for a new era where AI interacts within the physical world.
What Happened
The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas marked a significant shift in AI technology, moving from digital applications to 'physical AI' and robotics. Boston Dynamics unveiled a new version of their Atlas robot, illustrating the leap from theoretical AI to practical, physical applications. Robots at the show were not limited to entertainment but demonstrated real-world utility in various sectors, such as manufacturing and logistics.
Discord is preparing for a potential IPO in March 2026, after having previously rejected a $10 billion acquisition offer from Microsoft. This move signifies Discord's confidence in its growth and market potential. Meanwhile, xAI's massive $20 billion Series E funding raised eyebrows, especially amid controversies surrounding its Grok platform, which has drawn criticism for content moderation failures.
Mobileye's acquisition of Mentee Robotics for $900 million signals its entry into the humanoid robotics space. Known for its expertise in computer vision chips, Mobileye is expanding its technological reach beyond automotive applications. This acquisition aligns with the broader trend at CES, where the focus was on integrating AI into physical devices.
OpenAI's co-founder, Greg Brockman, discussed the company's new focus on audio-first, screenless AI experiences, potentially revolutionizing how users interact with technology. This approach suggests a shift towards ambient computing, where technology becomes seamlessly integrated into everyday environments without relying on screens.
The CES event also saw participation from major Chinese automakers like Geely and Xiaomi, who showcased their latest vehicle innovations. This highlights the global interest in integrating AI with automotive technology, further pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the transportation sector.
NVIDIA, traditionally known for its chips, emphasized its ambitions to control the entire AI stack, moving beyond hardware to offer comprehensive AI solutions. This strategic positioning was evident in their keynote adjacent to CES, showcasing their full-stack capabilities and infrastructure solutions.
Key Insights
- Boston Dynamics introduced a new version of their Atlas robot at CES 2026, marking a significant advancement in physical AI applications beyond theoretical models, with practical uses in sectors like manufacturing and logistics.
- Discord is planning an IPO in March 2026 after turning down a $10 billion acquisition offer from Microsoft, indicating strong confidence in its growth trajectory and market potential.
- Mobileye's $900 million acquisition of Mentee Robotics marks its strategic entry into the humanoid robotics field, expanding its expertise from automotive computer vision chips to broader AI-integrated physical devices.
- OpenAI is shifting focus towards audio-first, screenless AI experiences, aligning with the trend of ambient computing where technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday environments without the need for screens.