CES 2026 Recap: AI, Mobility & Tech That Will Shape Travel

CES 2026 took over Las Vegas once again, bringing together the world’s biggest technology brands, startups, and innovators to showcase what’s next. From artificial intelligence embedded in everyday devices to future mobility and electric vehicle tech, this year’s show made one thing clear: technology is becoming more integrated into how we travel, move, and live.

Here’s a recap of my time at CES , along with curated video highlights that walk you through the most interesting trends and innovations from the show floor.

Here are some video highlights from CES 2026:

Arrival & Scale: Inside the Las Vegas Convention Center at CES 2026

CES doesn’t ease you in — it drops you straight into scale. This first video sets the scene at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the physical heart of CES, where miles of exhibit halls, multiple campuses, and constant movement define the experience. They’ve re-designed the entrance as when I was there in October for NBAA, this part was still under construction.

Vegas-Only Innovation: How the Sphere’s Camera System Really Works

One of the most uniquely Las Vegas tech moments of CES 2026 didn’t happen on the show floor. This video explores the groundbreaking technology behind Big Sky, the custom-built camera system designed specifically for the Sphere in Las Vegas. It’s a perfect example of how CES spills beyond convention halls and into the city itself — and how cutting-edge tech is shaping entertainment, venues, and future experiences. It was no coincidence that Lenovo’s Keynote was there as Lenovo computers are the power behind the Sphere.

This video showcases the following:

• Custom Innovation: Because no existing camera could meet the resolution requirements of the Sphere’s immersive screen, the team invented Big Sky—a complete ecosystem that includes lenses, recording media, and an end-to-end processing pipeline [00:15].

• Immersive Experience: The system is designed to “trick the brain” into seeing reality, essentially turning the massive screen into a window to another world [00:54].

• Technical Excellence: Big Sky captures footage at a staggering 18K by 18K resolution at 60 frames per second, uncompressed [01:33].

• Versatility: The camera has been adapted for extreme environments, including being mounted on helicopters 200 feet in the air, used hundreds of feet underwater, and attached to race cars or roller coasters [01:00].

• Strategic Partnership: To handle the unprecedented volume of data generated by the 18K footage, the team relies on high-powered Lenovo workstations for real-time processing [01:46].

The Sphere is described not just as a venue, but as the world’s most powerful canvas for artists and brands to tell stories [01:54].

Big Brand Energy: Samsung’s First Look at CES 2026

No CES recap is complete without a stop at one of the major exhibitors, and Samsung’s presence once again drew serious attention. Though this year, they were not at the main Convention Center, they were at The Wynn, and their special guest was K-pop!

The tour showcases how Samsung is embedding AI across the entire home ecosystem. Key highlights include the 140-inch Micro LED TV with a “mirror bezel” that extends the picture into the room [04:13], and a modular Transparent Micro LED display that offers superior brightness and transparency compared to OLED concepts [09:01].

The video also features a hands-on look at the Galaxy Z Fold (Trifold), which boasts a 10-inch inner display and a 200MP camera, slated for a Q1 2026 release in the US [18:12]. Additionally, the “Smart Sleep Care” system demonstrates how wearables can now automatically adjust room temperature and airflow to optimize your sleep cycle [24:16].

This video showcases the following:

• [00:02] Introduction to the Samsung Experience at CES 2026

• [01:55] Sound Tower: Portable Audio with Swappable Batteries

• [04:13] 140-inch Micro LED TV with Mirror Bezel Technology

• [07:31] Digital Turntable: OLED Concept for Music Enthusiasts

• [09:01] Transparent Micro LED: Modular and High-Brightness Display

• [12:15] AI Smart Kitchen: Ovens with Recipe Analysis

• [18:12] Hands-on: The New Galaxy Z Fold (Trifold) Smartphone

• [23:42] Smart Sleep Care: Wearable & Appliance Integration

• [27:52] 130-inch Micro RGB TV & Display Comparisons

Future Mobility and Electric Vehicle Innovation

This video sets the stage for CES 2026 by diving into mobility and transportation technology. Electric vehicles, autonomous concepts, and next-generation vehicle software were front and center. CES continues to be a key venue for automakers and mobility startups to preview how people will move around cities and across longer distances in the years ahead.

This video showcases the following:

• [00:00] Introduction to CES 2026 Automotive Section

• [00:23] Lucid Gravity: EV Trunk & Smart Dashboard

• [02:19] Zoox: Autonomous Ride-Sharing in Vegas [I did take a ride last year, video coming soon]

• [04:31] Alps Alpine & BMW X3 Overview

• [05:38] Mercedes-Benz Van Interior & Layout

• [06:58] Great Wall Motors Tank 500: Smart Electric Car Cockpit & In-Car Refrigerator

• [11:14] GWM Tank 700 & Wey 07 Van

• [16:52] John Deere: Massive Autonomous Tractor Tour

• [20:48] Caterpillar & Future Farming Tech

• [21:50] Sea Ray 360: Auto-Docking & Luxury Marine Tech

• [27:52] Hyundai & Boston Dynamics: The Future of Robotics

• [33:05] Robotic Golf Caddies & Portable Power

• [35:32] Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robo Taxi & Parking Robot Demo

• [43:24] Automated Charging Robot (ACR) & Safety Features

• [49:05] Advanced Air Mobility: The Future of Flight

• [52:41] Tesla Cybertruck & 3D Printed Car Parts

• [54:42] Industrial Robotics for Repetitive Tasks

• [56:45] Lynk & Co 09: Intelligent Cabin & Versatile Storage

• [01:03:48] Final Thoughts & CES West Hall Wrap-up

Key Trends from CES 2026

Artificial Intelligence Everywhere

AI was embedded across nearly every category at CES 2026. Instead of standalone tools, companies showcased AI that works quietly in the background—optimizing devices, learning user behavior, and improving efficiency.

Mobility Beyond the Car

Mobility innovation extended beyond electric cars. Software-defined vehicles, autonomous systems, and smart infrastructure point toward a future where transportation is more connected and adaptable.

Smarter Entertainment and Displays

Displays, audio systems, and immersive tech continue to evolve rapidly. These advancements have clear implications for airports, airline cabins, hotels, and personal travel gear.

Why CES Still Matters

CES isn’t just about flashy gadgets—it’s a preview of how technology will influence daily life and global travel. From AI-powered systems to mobility innovations, CES 2026 showed that the future of travel will be smarter, more connected, and increasingly automated.

Frequently Asked Questions About CES 2026

What is CES and why is it important?

CES, the Consumer Electronics Show is one of the world’s largest technology trade shows. It’s where companies debut new products and preview innovations that often shape consumer tech trends for years.

What were the biggest trends at CES 2026?

The biggest trends included artificial intelligence integration, future mobility and EV technology, robotics, smart home systems, and advanced display and audio technology.

Is CES only about consumer gadgets?

No. While gadgets are a major part of CES, the show also covers enterprise technology, transportation, digital health, sustainability, and infrastructure innovations.

 

How does CES technology impact travel?

Many CES innovations influence aviation, airports, hotels, and personal travel gear. AI systems, smart displays, and mobility tech often make their way into travel experiences within a few years.

Can the public attend CES?

CES is primarily an industry trade event. Attendance is generally limited to professionals, media, and exhibitors rather than the general public.