CES 2026: A Solitary and Infantilized Future

CES 2026 presented a vision of the future dominated by artificial intelligence and robotics designed to reduce the physical and mental burden of daily life. LG led the event with a concept of 'ambient care,' proposing a home environment where machines coddle the user. This included scenarios where sensors detect poor sleep and robots deliver fresh orange juice or prepare food on demand.

The exhibition floor reflected a shift away from traditional consumer hardware and automotive sectors, leaving a void filled by robotics startups and AI-driven gadgets. The prevailing atmosphere suggested a future that is both solitary and infantilized, with devices intended to replace human interaction and physical activity. While some assistive technologies were present, the sheer volume of 'gadgets' raised questions about their necessity and long-term value.

LG opened CES 2026 by outlining a strategy to minimize the effort required to live. The company described an environment of 'ambient care,' where the home machinery actively supports the resident. The vision relies on a network of sensors and robots to anticipate needs and automate tasks.

Specific scenarios presented included:

• A robot waking a user with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice after sensors detect a poor night's sleep or the onset of a cold.
• A robot preparing a sandwich for a user in a rush, eliminating the need to make food themselves.

This approach aims to spare users the effort of routine tasks, creating a utopian-like existence where physical exertion is largely unnecessary.

The landscape of CES 2026 differed significantly from previous years due to the dominance of AI. The technology consumed the industry's focus, leaving little room for innovation in traditional consumer hardware. While Intel's advent of Panther Lake was noted as a win for the company, it was not viewed as a catalyst for dramatic changes in how people use PCs daily.

Furthermore, a shift in US policy away from electric vehicles (EVs) toward fossil fuel-powered vehicles caused major auto manufacturers to shy away from the show. Consequently, the floor was populated by:

• Robotics startups offering early visions of humanoid robots for production lines and home care.
• Exhibitors displaying exoskeletons designed to assist with physical work.
• Companies pitching devices resembling the Sharper Image catalog—gadgets designed to fill perceived holes in life without making things genuinely easier.

A central concern regarding the innovations at CES 2026 is their intent to act as a replacement or supplement for genuine human interaction. The show featured numerous examples of technology designed to simulate companionship without the complexities of real relationships.

Examples of this trend included:

• Robotic panda bears designed to save the owner the effort of caring for a real pet.
• Holographic AI waifus programmed to respond with obsequious flattery and agreement.
• AI 'Labubus' operating as friends, enemies, or companions.
• Cuddly home robots essentially acting as tablets on wheels to entertain children.

There is a fear that relying on these 'AI lackeys' for flattery and convenience will erode the ability to connect with the people around us.

The push for automation at CES 2026 raises questions about the physical and mental health implications of a less active life. In LG's vision, moving around for oneself and preparing one's own food becomes a thing of the past. This reduction in physical activity could negatively impact health.

Furthermore, the proliferation of devices like toilet computers, massage chairs, and scootcases suggests a society increasingly detached from its own bodily functions and needs. The reliance on machines to monitor food intake and excretion indicates a lack of willingness to pay attention to the fundamentals of life. Just as AI encourages shortcuts in creativity, the broader tech industry appears to be encouraging shortcuts in the basic processes of living.