The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has wrapped up, showcasing the most cutting-edge technology poised to shape the coming year. From wellness wearables to AI-powered robots, this year’s event delivered a mix of practical improvements and futuristic concepts. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways and award-winning products.
The Trends: From AI to Accessibility
CES 2026 wasn’t just about flashy gadgets; it signaled a growing trend toward intentional technology – devices designed to solve real-world problems. Artificial intelligence was pervasive, not just as a buzzword, but integrated into everyday products, from companion robots to autonomous mobility solutions. Equally notable was the focus on accessibility, with innovations aimed at improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Why does this matter? Because CES is where consumer tech is born. These trends aren’t just about toys; they foreshadow how our lives will change, from how we manage health to how we navigate the world.
Best of CES 2026 Awards: Standout Innovations
A panel of over 40 expert journalists from leading tech publications, including Mashable, CNET, PCMag, and ZDNET, selected the winners for the official Best of CES 2026 Awards. Here are some of the highlights:
Best Wellness Tech: Peri
Perimenopause is a poorly understood transition in women’s health, and Peri’s wearable device addresses this directly. By tracking symptoms like anxiety, hot flashes, and night sweats over time, Peri provides users with data-driven insights to make informed decisions about symptom management. This is a significant step toward personalized healthcare.
Best Yard or Outdoor Tech: Beatbot AquaSense X Ecosystem
Pool maintenance is now largely hands-off thanks to Beatbot AquaSense X. Its automated cleaning dock empties debris into disposable bags and rinses the robot, eliminating the messy manual labor traditionally associated with pool upkeep.
Best TV or Home Theater: Samsung S95H OLED
Samsung’s S95H OLED delivers a brighter, more vibrant viewing experience than ever before. It also addresses the long-standing issue of burn-in with the ability to display artwork without degradation, making it a standout in a crowded TV market.
Best Travel Tech: WheelMove
Accessibility remains a major hurdle for wheelchair users. WheelMove solves this by converting standard wheelchairs into electric-powered versions with a simple attachment. This eliminates strain and makes long distances and uneven terrain much easier to navigate.
Best Weird Tech: Lepro Ami AI Companion
The Lepro Ami AI companion is… peculiar. This tiny OLED screen features an anime-esque AI character that tracks your gaze, creating an unsettling yet fascinating sense of presence. It’s a prime example of the increasingly bizarre intersection of AI and companionship.
Best Transportation: Strutt Ev1 Mobility Scooter
The Strutt Ev1 takes mobility to the next level with its autonomous navigation capabilities. Users can move around both indoors and outdoors via voice commands, while the scooter automatically avoids obstacles. This is a game-changer for accessibility and independent living.
Best Robot: Boston Dynamics Atlas
Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot is ready for deployment in Hyundai manufacturing facilities. Its naturalistic gait and advanced capabilities make it a groundbreaking achievement in robotics.
Best Smart Home Tech: Roborock Saros Rover
The Roborock Saros Rover is the first robot vacuum capable of traversing stairs. Its bendable legs and intelligent obstacle avoidance make it a truly innovative solution for whole-home cleaning.
The Future of Cars: AI and Autonomy
Automotive tech dominated a large portion of CES, with companies like Sony Honda Mobility, Xiaomi, and BMW showcasing their latest innovations. The emphasis was on AI-powered assistants capable of learning driver preferences, offering navigation, and even entertainment. Tesla, Volvo, and BMW showed off their latest EVs and AI-powered driving assistants.
This shift signals a future where cars are no longer just modes of transport but intelligent companions integrated into our lives. The industry is moving towards Level 4 autonomy, with Tensor Auto’s Robocar leading the charge.
Startups and Sustainability: Making an Impact
Beyond the giants, startups at CES offered promising solutions for real-world problems. Allergen Alert’s portable allergen tester could save lives by providing instant food safety checks. Clear Drop’s Soft Plastic Compactor tackles plastic waste by compressing it into recyclable bricks, reducing landfill burden.
The Takeaway
CES 2026 was a testament to the power of innovation. From wellness tech that empowers individuals to take control of their health to AI-driven robots that redefine accessibility, the event showcased a future where technology is designed to improve lives, not just entertain. The focus on practical solutions, combined with the continued push for AI integration, indicates that the next wave of consumer tech will be more impactful than ever before.
