AI microwave suggested recipes and tracked calories, yet it still just reheated food|wan AIChef Global|Instagram
The annual technology trade show in Las Vegas showed just how deeply artificial intelligence has entered consumer tech.
At CES 2026, Companies embedded AI into almost every gadget on the show floor, often stretching the term beyond recognition.
From wearables to home appliances, AI branding seemed unavoidable, even when the AI-enable-ness was questionable.
The show featured AI holographic companions everywhere, which will sit on your desk inside a tube and interact with you.
From haircuts to health pills
Some gadgets stretched the idea of intelligence. Smart hair clippers promised the perfect fade with real-time AI coaching. SleepQ pushed AI-upgraded pills that told users the best time to take supplements.
A modular stick vacuum claimed AI could predict failures, but skeptics worry it mainly encourages costly part replacements.
An AI microwave suggested recipes and tracked calories, yet it still just reheated food.
Even an AI bartender relied on webcams and age estimates, with mixed results.
Several companies also showcased humanoid robots that danced or pretended to run shops. The firm presented them as helpers, but were quick to point out that they are not yet at 100%.
Other products raised bigger questions. An AI art frame generated images, but worked just as well without AI. AI toys for children powered by chatbots sparked concerns about safety and trust.
CES made one thing clear: more AI doesn’t always mean better technology.