CES 2026: When the impossible stopped being optional

There was a time—not so long ago—when talking about artificial intelligence as an everyday assistant sounded exaggerated, futuristic, or, at best, unnecessary. Today, after walking the halls of CES, that narrative crumbles on its own.

What once seemed distant, absurd, or downright impossible is now a necessary leap . And yet, many companies continue to treat it as a nice-to-have and not as what it truly is: basic infrastructure for competing .

AI is no longer a trend. It's a real, functional, and cross-platform assistant . Lenovo made this clear in its keynote presentation with Qira , an AI agent that, in its multi-device version, allows users to converse, organize, prioritize, and optimize their time simply and effectively. It's not just a flashy gadget, but an intelligent layer that accompanies the user across devices, contexts, and tasks. That, without a doubt, is a game-changer.

A CES that is no longer the same (and that's a sign)

CES is also changing. And it's happening fast.

The era when Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic dominated the main stage with spectacular displays seems to be fading. This year, Samsung wasn't even in the main exhibition: it decided to move to another hotel and create its own space. However, it maintained a strong presence in the aisles dedicated to startups. And that's where it becomes clear where the real focus is today.

Is it a narrative control strategy? A response to China's growing technological presence? Or was there simply not as much to "show off" in the traditional format?

There's no single answer. From my perspective, CES 2026 has ceased to be merely a showcase for giant brands and has become a barometer of real technological relevance . And in that context, the size of the booth no longer guarantees impact; relevance does.

Eureka Park: where the “little mice” now roar

The real show is happening elsewhere. The healthcare sector has gained remarkable relevance, and it's there that I can confirm that my decision to change industries was not only the right one, but also consistent with a long-term vision.

Startups that once occupied small, almost invisible spaces are now leading the conversation. At Eureka Park, you can find everything from functional exoskeletons to shoes designed to prevent falls. Not as futuristic concepts, but as concrete solutions, designed to scale and solve real problems.

The most important thing is not just the technology, but the human approach : a genuine concern for the elderly, for autonomy, prevention and support.

This is where Self Companions come in: avatars and robots that not only “interact” but also provide companionship , help manage routines, encourage physical activity, monitor the home, and reduce feelings of loneliness. LG, for example, presented its LG Smart Home AI Agent , CLOid, a domestic robot designed to monitor the home, interact with the family, and act as a central node in a smart ecosystem.

It's not science fiction. It's a contemporary version of The Jetsons come to life: a world where we'll soon be living alongside functional "Robots," integrated into our daily lives. A connected home with a purpose. It's still a prototype that requires further development, yes, but it has clear potential to become a transformative solution in the near future.

Education, learning and the return to smart play

CES 2026 also delivered a clear message regarding education: artificial intelligence not only optimizes processes or automates tasks, it can also reconcile us with deep learning and conscious play .

On one hand, we saw AI technologies designed to help us read and understand better , not faster. Tools capable of analyzing entire books, synthesizing key ideas, generating concept maps, and supporting personalized study processes. They don't replace reading; they enhance it, giving back something we had lost: time to think and understand.

On the other hand, LEGO delivered one of the most interesting surprises at CES with the unveiling of LEGO Smart Play . And it's important to clarify: it's not a robot as such, nor a screen-based system. It's something more subtle—and more powerful.

LEGO Smart Play is an ecosystem of smart bricks and figures that seamlessly integrates technology to enrich traditional physical play. Through components like Smart Bricks , Smart Tags , and Smart Minifigures , creations can react with lights, sounds, and movements, without the need for screens, cameras, or an internet connection.

The Smart Brick incorporates a microchip that detects movement, lights up, and emits sounds depending on how it's built. The pieces communicate with each other via a dedicated wireless network called BrickNet , based on Bluetooth, allowing the creations to react in real time to the player's actions. Smart Tags and Minifigures activate specific behaviors and moods within the game, creating dynamic narratives.

The entire system operates using inductive charging , keeping the experience simple and safe. The result is a product that invites children—and adults alike—to play again away from screens , fostering creativity, imagination, and logical thinking, without sacrificing interactivity.

LEGO announced that this technology will debut in March 2026 with sets from the LEGO Star Wars line, allowing the recreation of ship sounds, laser fire, and iconic scenes from the saga.

Beyond the product, the message is powerful: technology, when applied correctly, does not isolate or distract; it accompanies, stimulates, and educates .

AI, privacy and the false dilemma

One of the biggest myths that still persists is that adopting artificial intelligence means sacrificing privacy. CES 2026 proves otherwise.

The most advanced companies are opting for hybrid servers , local architectures, and private models that allow them to protect sensitive information without sacrificing efficiency.

The conversation is no longer about “AI yes or no,” but rather how responsible, ethical, and conscious your implementation is . Security, ethics, and privacy are no longer obstacles but strategic enablers.

In fact, as Lenovo mentioned on stage alongside the FIFA president, we are heading towards a World Cup that is 100% AI-powered , from operations to the fan experience. A clear sign of where the world is headed.

An uncomfortable (but necessary) conclusion

Artificial intelligence is already part of our daily lives.

And let's be clear: the company —or person— that continues to deny, challenge, or postpone this reality is losing a critical competitive advantage .

Today, anyone who doesn't have an AI assistant is not being prudent; they are missing the opportunity to become a superhuman : someone who decides better, faster, and with more context.

It's not about replacing talent. It's about empowering it . The real question is no longer whether to move forward or not, but who implements it, how technology is governed, and whether we are truly placing it in the right hands to improve our environment.

The future hasn't arrived. It's already here… and it's not waiting for permission. I'd like to hear your thoughts to understand how you're interpreting what's coming and whether we're on the same path.