From AI Hype to Human Impact at CES 2026

CES 2026 is back in full force. Marc Aflalo speaks with Allie Fried live from the show floor about the energy at CES, the expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, the shift from AI hype to real outcomes, humanoid robots, accessibility breakthroughs, startups at Eureka Park, and why CES still matters to business and humanity.

After three intense days on the CES 2026 show floor, Allie Fried joins Marc Aflalo to share what feels different this year. With 17 in-person CES events behind her, Allie describes a show that feels energized, optimistic, and more human-focused than ever.

They discuss the newly expanded Las Vegas Convention Center, including the debut of the Central Hall Grand Lobby, and how CES has evolved far beyond consumer electronics. From AI-powered agricultural equipment and construction machinery to mobility, digital health, and marine tech, CES now represents nearly every industry.

The conversation dives into the changing role of AI at CES. Instead of buzzwords, companies are focusing on outcomes and real benefits. AI has moved from headline feature to embedded teammate. Allie also shares standout moments from the robotics halls, including humanoid robots with improved balance, dexterity, and real-world use cases in hospitality and service industries.

One of the most meaningful highlights is accessibility technology. Allie describes a product designed for blind, low vision, and autistic users that uses smart glasses paired with a haptic wearable to interpret facial expressions. It is a powerful example of technology improving human connection.

They also explore the scale of CES business activity, including over 4,000 exhibitors, 2.6 million square feet of space, 1,400 startups at Eureka Park, and an average of 29 business meetings per attendee. The episode closes with reflections on CES’s economic impact on Las Vegas, the focus on digital health and longevity, and why CES no longer has one single theme, but an overarching focus on improving the human experience.

Chapters

0:00 – Live from CES 2026 with Allie Fried

0:58 – First impressions and show floor energy

1:43 – From TVs to every industry at CES

2:44 – AI hype vs real outcomes

3:12 – Robots, humanoids, and real-world use

4:42 – Can anyone actually see all of CES?

5:23 – Eureka Park and startup energy

6:35 – The business of CES and industry meetings

7:03 – Planning for CES 2027 already

7:44 – CES impact on Las Vegas post-pandemic

9:05 – Accessibility tech that stood out

10:44 – Final days on the show floor

11:39 – Is there a single theme for CES 2026?

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Relevant Links

CES: https://www.ces.tech

Las Vegas Convention Center: https://www.lvcva.com

CTA Foundation Accessibility Stage: https://www.cta.tech

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