AI-driven innovation to be focus of global expo

This year's Consumer Electronics Show will open its doors with a clear mission to accelerate innovation that improves lives and drives economic growth, with AI embedded across every sector from intelligent manufacturing to personalized healthcare, says Gary Shapiro, CEO and vice-chair of the organizer, Consumer Technology Association.

"CES 2026 is where global business gets done with innovators from more than 155 countries and territories at the show," Shapiro said ahead of the world's largest technology exhibition in Las Vegas. "We expect a great show with innovation spanning 2.6 million net square feet (241,500 square meters) of exhibit space."

Major Chinese companies will maintain their strong presence at the show, with industry leaders, including Geely, Hisense, BOE, InMotion, Lenovo, TCL and YuShu Technology (Unitree), among the thousands of exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations.

The four-day event, running through Friday, will feature artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, digital health, mobility and robotics as its core themes shaping the exhibition floor. More than 4,000 exhibitors and 142,000 attendees will converge at the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding venues.

"Attendees will see AI embedded everywhere — from intelligent manufacturing systems and logistics platforms to personalized health technologies, smarter vehicles and enterprise tools that boost productivity," Shapiro said.

For the first time, CES 2026 will place special emphasis on manufacturing, introducing a new conference track dedicated to the sector.

The focus highlights technologies, partnerships and workforce training needed for AI-ready production facilities.

"This focus reflects the growing importance of manufacturing amid global competition and rapid technological change," Shapiro said. "Innovations in AI, automation, robotics, advanced materials and digital supply chains are transforming how products are made."

A new manufacturing conference track will bring together policymakers, technology developers, manufacturers, startups and industry leaders to discuss strategies for building resilient and competitive production capabilities across industries during the event.

Lenovo will bring its Tech World event to CES 2026 at the Sphere venue, featuring what Shapiro described as "an incredible lineup of speakers and announcements".

"We're thrilled to welcome Lenovo's Tech World to CES 2026," he said. "Innovation transcends borders and CES has long been a bridge between ideas and markets."

Favorable environment

The improved United States-China trade relationship has created a more favorable environment for technological cooperation and innovation at this year's show, said Shapiro, who welcomed recent developments in bilateral trade relations.

"Businesses need certainty to invest, grow and create jobs. We welcome the de-escalation between the United States and China."

He particularly praised the US Trade Representative's decision last month to maintain zero tariffs on Chinese semiconductors through mid-2027 following a Section 301 investigation into Chinese semiconductors.

"These are positive signs that leaders on both sides recognize the importance and value of the US-China trade relationship," Shapiro said.

"We hope to see both governments build on this momentum to pursue a stable, forward-looking trade framework that supports a vibrant innovation ecosystem."