The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has once again showcased a range of innovative technologies that are set to transform our lives in the coming years. From robots that can handle household chores to foldable smartphones and the revival of the iconic BlackBerry, this year’s event has been a testament to the rapid advancements in the tech industry.
One of the standout highlights was the rise of humanoid robots, with several companies unveiling prototypes that can perform tasks such as doing laundry, making breakfast, and serving drinks. LG’s CLOiD robot, which is expected to undergo real-world testing next year, and Switchbot’s Onero H1, a security bot-like device with articulating arms, were among the impressive demonstrations. Additionally, Boston Dynamics’ Atlas robot, which has been in development for years, is finally transitioning from an awkward prototype to a polished product, with Hyundai Motor Group partnering with Google’s DeepMind for its robotic AI research.
The humble robot vacuum has also received an upgrade, with Dreame’s Cyber10 Ultra arm-equipped model able to lift up to 500g and use various tools for cleaning. Meanwhile, Roborock’s Saro Rover, a two-wheeled, leg-equipped robovac, is designed to tackle the age-old challenge of climbing stairs.
The tech innovations didn’t stop there. Samsung showcased its new Family Hub fridge, which features voice-controlled doors that can be opened and closed hands-free, while GE has integrated a barcode scanner into its latest Profile fridge to automatically add items to a shopping list.
In the laptop realm, Lenovo’s Legion Pro Rollable concept stood out, featuring a regular-sized 16-inch laptop with an OLED screen that can unfold horizontally to a full-size 24-inch monitor. The company’s ThinkPad Plus Gen 7 Auto Twist also caught attention, with a motorized rotating hinge that automatically adjusts the screen to face the user or the audience.
Foldable smartphones continued to evolve, with Samsung unveiling its Galaxy Z TriFold, a hybrid device that takes the book-style folding design and adds another section that unfolds like a pamphlet to reveal a large, wide-screen tablet.
For those longing for the days of physical keyboards on smartphones, the accessory company Clicks is bringing back the BlackBerry with its new Communicator, an Android phone with a physical keyboard designed as a “communication companion” with custom software that prioritizes messaging over social media doom-scrolling.
From robots that can handle our household chores to foldable screens and the return of the BlackBerry, this year’s CES has showcased a glimpse of the technologies that are poised to shape our future.