CES 2026: A Showcase of Innovation and Inclusion

By Barbara Smith
Photos: Earl Edwards

CES 2026 has firmly established itself as the world’s most influential technology showcase. Drawing over 145,000 attendees from 160 countries and featuring around 4,100 exhibitors, the event once again underscored its significance in the global tech landscape. This year, artificial intelligence took center stage—not as an abstract concept, but as a practical tool that’s reshaping our everyday lives through wearables, robotics, and adaptive hardware.

The Shift Towards Utility

Many of the most talked-about devices at the event highlighted a compelling shift toward functionality over spectacle. The Rokid Style smart glasses, which won a CES 2026 award, promise to rival the popular Meta Ray-Ban models. Priced at $299, these lightweight glasses emphasize a voice-driven AI experience rather than relying on bulky displays. Another innovative entry, the .lumen Glasses for the Blind, showcased how sensors can enhance mobility and independence for visually impaired users. These glasses can detect safe walking paths and direct users with a gentle head tug—a feature that mimics the guidance of a service dog.

Rounding out the lineup were Samsung’s Galaxy Z Tri-Fold phone and Lenovo’s Legion Pro laptop, the latter of which impressively extends from 16 inches to a whopping 21.5 inches at the press of a button. This emphasis on adaptability illustrates a broader trend: technology evolving to meet user needs rather than imposing rigid structures.

Robotics and Intelligent Interaction

Robotics brought both practical applications and playful demonstrations to the forefront. A blackjack-dealing robot, Sharpa, attracted large crowds as attendees engaged in simulated games while the robot dealt cards and accurately determined winning hands. This not only entertained but also showcased advancements in robotic reasoning and tactile sensitivity.

Even more impressive were the humanoid RealHand robots, which performed a perfectly synchronized piano duet, emphasizing fine motor control. Their capabilities open doors to advancements in both prosthetics development and surgical training, illustrating the diverse applications of robotics beyond just entertainment.

Automotive Innovations

Electric vehicles and automotive technology were also prominent at CES 2026. The showcase featured smarter, safer, and more personalized driving experiences, marking a continuous evolution in how we interact with our vehicles. From self-driving capabilities to innovative software solutions that enhance driver safety and convenience, the automotive sector is positioning itself at the intersection of technology and consumer needs.

Spotlight on Representation

While CES celebrates innovation, it also confronts underlying issues of representation within the tech community. Despite efforts toward inclusion, African American presence in technology remains disproportionately low. As noted by The Black Chronicle, Black Americans comprise 13% of the U.S. population but only 7% of tech workers and a mere 4% of tech executives. Attendee Malcolm Marzett, a technology executive from Phoenix, expressed the challenges of navigating the convention as one of the few Black faces in the crowd, emphasizing the need for collective support in overcoming these barriers.

Voices of Change

Amid these challenges, prominent African American figures elevated vital conversations focused on the intersection of technology, culture, and equity. NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson discussed the social implications of emerging technologies, while Serena Williams shared her experiences with Lingo, an over-the-counter glucose monitoring device she endorses. Williams highlighted her investment initiatives aimed at supporting underserved founders, emphasizing that diversity is not solely a moral imperative but essential for future growth.

Entrepreneur Omi Bell, CEO of Black Girl Ventures (BGV), led an enlightening panel on how AI is transforming culture, cities, and communities. Under her leadership, BGV has supported over 400 underrepresented founders, creating thousands of jobs and generating significant revenue and social impact. Panel discussions also tackled the dual nature of AI for African American communities, presenting both opportunities in healthcare and economic prospects, alongside the risks of bias if these technologies aren’t developed thoughtfully.

A Slice of Reality

Not every moment at CES was about futuristic tech. One unexpectedly delightful scene outside the convention halls featured a bus driver calmly crocheting while stuck in traffic—an amusing reminder that, despite all the innovation, some real-world solutions remain elusive.

A Purpose-Driven Future

CES 2026 ultimately reflected a landscape that is moving beyond mere flash and spectacle toward purpose. The most meaningful discussions revolved around questions of who is crafting the future of technology and who remains on the outside looking in. As innovation continues to thrive, the path ahead will likely be shaped by efforts to broaden access and inclusion within the tech community.