Live from CES: What is the point of a robot that falls over? - The Vergecast Recap

Podcast: The Vergecast

Published: 2026-01-09

Duration: 1 hr 4 min

Guests: David Pierce, Neil Apacella

Summary

CES 2026 highlights the rapid pace of hardware innovation in tech but reveals a significant lag in software development, particularly in AI and robotics. As companies showcase an array of gadgets, the practical applications and utility of many AI-driven products remain unclear.

What Happened

David Pierce and Nilay Patel provide an on-the-ground perspective from CES 2026 in Las Vegas, where the focus is on the rapid advancement of hardware technology. Despite the flashy displays of new gadgets, the hosts highlight a critical issue: the software, especially AI, is struggling to keep up with the hardware's capabilities. This is exemplified by humanoid robots that are technically sophisticated but lack the software to make them practical or useful.

The hosts discuss the trend of companies at CES moving beyond their traditional product lines, with examples like Switchbot, known for vacuums, now venturing into humanoid robots. However, the utility of such robots is questioned due to the inadequate software that fails to fully exploit the hardware's potential. This disconnect is a prominent theme at the show, with many AI gadgets lacking clear purposes beyond novelty.

AI's integration in everyday objects is examined, such as AI glasses and AI companions, but their practical value is often ambiguous. The hosts note that while large language models (LLMs) are a focal point in AI development, there's ongoing debate about their long-term utility, particularly in smart home technologies where interoperability remains a challenge.

Wearable technology is another focal point, with a shift towards making wearables not just functional but also fashionable. The balance between aesthetics and technology is discussed, particularly in the context of health and wellness wearables. The resurgence of unusual computer designs, like rollable screens, is noted as part of a broader trend towards innovative hardware forms.

Battery life and efficiency are highlighted as significant areas of improvement, with advances in Apple Silicon and more efficient chips leading to longer-lasting devices. Products like the new Pebble smartwatch, which boasts a month of battery life, exemplify these advancements.

The episode also touches on the integration of smart technology into everyday items, such as IKEA's smart lamps, and the importance of standards like Matter and Thread for improving the interoperability of smart home devices. These developments suggest a move towards embedding technology into existing products rather than creating entirely new gadgets.

David Pierce emphasizes the potential for AI technologies like speech-to-text and noise cancellation to improve accessibility, though concerns about AI's impact on cognitive skills remain. He also reflects on the need for centralized communication between smart devices to enhance user experience.

Finally, the hosts discuss the challenges faced by voice assistants in gaining user trust compared to visual AI interfaces. Despite the advancements in hardware, the episode underscores the ongoing struggle to align AI software capabilities with the expectations set by the hardware industry.

Key Insights

• Despite significant advancements in hardware, many humanoid robots at CES 2026 lack practical utility due to inadequate software, highlighting a disconnect between hardware capabilities and AI development.
• Switchbot, traditionally known for vacuum cleaners, is diversifying into humanoid robots, reflecting a broader trend at CES where companies are expanding beyond their core product lines.
• The Pebble smartwatch at CES 2026 demonstrates significant progress in battery technology, offering a month of battery life, showcasing improvements in efficiency with new chip designs like Apple Silicon.
• Standards such as Matter and Thread are becoming increasingly important for smart home devices, aiming to enhance interoperability and integration of smart technology into everyday items like IKEA's smart lamps.