The first day of CES 2026 delivered a flurry of AI-powered silicon, autonomous vehicles, and crowd-pleasing Star Wars Lego sets that overshadowed even the biggest chip announcements.
> At a Glance
> – Nvidia unveiled its “physical AI” platform, new automotive chip, and tiny on-stage robots.
> – AMD and Intel launched next-gen laptop CPUs aimed at AI PCs and handheld gaming.
> – Uber, Lucid, and Nuro showed a luxury robotaxi starting San Francisco tests.
> – Why it matters: The flood of AI hardware and real-world robot applications signals 2026 will be the year AI moves from cloud to living rooms, roads, and factory floors.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang used his keynote to cement the company’s AI leadership, introducing:
- Cosmos, a foundation model that simulates physics-accurate worlds.
- Alpamayo, an AI stack purpose-built for self-driving cars.
- Vera Rubin, Nvidia’s next-gen AI superchip platform now in full production.
- A Siemens partnership to push industrial AI.
Huang’s on-stage helpers-two knee-high robots that chirped and waddled-stole the spotlight and social feeds.
AMD and Intel Fire Back in AI PC Race
Lisa Su revealed AMD’s latest Ryzen AI processors and the gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9850X3D chip, promising faster on-device AI for laptops and desktops.
Intel countered with Panther Lake (a.k.a. Core Ultra Series 3), an AI-optimized laptop chip, plus a new platform targeting handheld gaming handhelds. The announcements come as Intel fights to regain momentum after missing the mobile wave and the AI boom.
Uber Returns to Robotaxis
An Uber-designed robotaxi-built with Lucid Motors‘ luxury EV hardware and Nuro‘s autonomy stack-debuted in Las Vegas:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Perception | 360° cameras, radar, sensors |
| Rider ID | Roof “halo” displays passenger initials |
| Cabin | Climate, seat heat, music, route visuals all customizable |
Testing on public roads began in San Francisco last month, with a consumer launch slated for late 2026.
Galaxy of Gadgets
- Lego Smart Play bricks with light/distance sensors pair with a new Star Wars line for interactive light-saber duels and space battles.
- LG teased CLOiD, a humanoid home robot that folds laundry and fetches snacks.
- Musical lollipops from Lollipop Star use bone-induction so buyers taste tunes by Ice Spice and Akon-on sale for $8.99 after the show.
- Boston Dynamics showed Atlas building Hyundai EVs; production units arrive at the Savannah, Georgia plant by 2028.
- Delta Air Lines became the Sphere’s official carrier, promising Sky360° lounges and LED-screen branding.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia doubled down on “physical AI” while its robot sidekicks won CES hearts.
- AMD and Intel’s new laptop chips accelerate AI PC adoption.
- Uber’s luxurious robotaxi enters real-world testing ahead of a late-2026 rollout.
- Interactive toys, home robots, and musical candy prove AI isn’t just for data centers anymore.
From silicon to Star Wars, CES Day 1 made clear that AI is rapidly leaping off the screen and into everyday life.
