CES 2025: Focus on AI and Robotics
For CES 2024 I observed, “The key tag lines for 2024 products were artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics.” CES 2025 continued this trend by expanding these technologies into more products. CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) is the largest tradeshow in the US, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the largest US trade association. CES ran January 7-10, 2025 in Las Vegas with more than 4500 exhibits and 300 conference sessions attended by more than 142,000, of which 40% were visitors from outside the US. CES attendance had peaked in 2020 before the pandemic at 180,000.
CTA was created to promote the sale of audio/video (A/V) equipment. However, A/V exhibits have been decreasing at CES, replaced by exhibits featuring the following topics (as defined by CTA):
In this article I tried to capture the diversity of CES products with an annotated photo tour of the show floor. In a later ASHB Journal article I will curate a collection of products that I found novel, offbeat, and illustrative of trends in consumer electronics, which now spans much more than A/V and home appliances.
AI exhibits
“AI for All” by Samsung
Samsung Electronics introduced an “AI for All” vision at CES with the goals “to bring intelligence to every day, enabling people to experience a more personal, impactful and empowering world” [quoted from www.samsung.com].
AI and Automation in an Electric Tractor
The Kubota Agri is an autonomous tractor electrically powered with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in less than six minutes. It uses AI to monitor potential issues and includes automatic data collection, real-time monitoring, and water management.
AI-enhanced Smart TV
TCL, the Chinese company that purchased the pioneering US RCA brand, touted AI applied to large-screen TVs. TCL AI analyzes the image in hundreds of zones across the image, then adjusts the brightness, contrast, and color in each zone, especially in dark regions. TCL calls this Micro Dimming. For sound enhancement, TCL adjusts volume when switching programming material such as ads and channel changes.
Machinery
All Electric Air Taxi
The Sambo Motors Group HAM III-2 is the first hybrid-powered air taxi. The small orange module in the photo is a hydrogen fuel cell that is combined with a battery for short-haul flights.
All Electric Garbage Truck
Republic Services worked with Oshkosh Corporation to add electric-powered vehicles to its fleet of 17,000 trucks for recycling and waste collection.
Audio/Video
A History of Consumer Electronics
This is a display of Panasonic products from the 20th century.
Vinyl Records Endure
Powel Crosley, Jr. was a pioneer in radio manufacturing starting in 1921 and founded WLW AM radio in Cincinnati, which has been broadcasting since 1922. Crosley continues to supply the nostalgia market. As stated at www.crosleybrands.com, “Crosley Radio blends retro looks with modern technology. As one of the largest record player manufacturers, we develop high-fidelity turntables for everyone, including the most discerning of audiophiles.”
TV Technology Adapted for Signage
This cityscape display, about 50 feet long, is not a photo; it is a specialized TV using micro-LED technology.
Pet Care
A Smart Cat Door
This doorway (“cat flap”) allows only your cat to enter if the cat is not carrying prey. The product tagline is “Let cats in. Keep mice, birds, rats, bugs, rivals out.” It includes a smart phone app with a video link to monitor flap usage. The product is made by OnlyCat and sells for $607 or a subscription of $337 per year.
An Automated Cat Box
This is a cat litter box with plumbing to flush away the waste. It includes a smart phone app that tracks your cat’s visits “to spot health issues,” according to the manufacturer Petgugu. The product tag line is “Goodbye Scooping, Hello Flushing!” The cost is $2000.
Preparing for CES 2026
Attendance at CES requires considerable advanced planning. I booked my hotel and air travel to the next CES (January 6-9, 2026) in March 2025. CTA started renting booth space for CES 2026 at the show last January. As always I look forward to discovering innovation among a sea of minimal and incremental changes.
© Copyright 2025 Kenneth P. Wacks, All rights reserved
Dr. Ken Wacks has been a pioneer in establishing the home systems industry and a management advisor to clients worldwide. His business specialties include IoT (Internet of Things), cybersecurity, standards for home and building systems, AI-based energy management including renewables, and digital media networks. He also provides due-diligence for investors and expert witness services for litigants including patent, employment non-compete, and trade-secret cases. Please visit kenwacks.com or contact Ken at +1 781 662-6211; [email protected]; www.kenwacks.com
