It’s the final day of the Consumer Electronics Show, which is fast becoming a race for how quickly tech companies can squeeze the phrase “AI” into their product descriptions. As always, the trade show promises a glimpse into the future and while the ingenuity is fascinating, it’s also a warning sign. AI and automation threaten to replace human workers — and based on what I saw at CES, the service industry jobs that power the Vegas economy could be at risk.
🎹 Musicians
I heard a TOMO robot by Emage playing piano on the CES floor before I saw it. Will Vegas lounge entertainment become fully automated in the future? Maybe. You can argue we’re already there with DJs.
💆 Massage Therapists
Why have a masseuse on the clock at a Strip hotel spa when a robot can do the job too? The ironically named RealMan demonstrated a full body massage with a robotic arm. At least you don’t have to tip.
🚴 Personal Trainers
We’ve already seen workouts take a virtual turn with the success of Peleton during the pandemic. VirtuRide takes the concept a step further, mixing virtual reality with cycling.
🌱 Landscapers
Mammotion is more than a Roomba for mowing the lawn. The device looks like a toy car, but trims grass with 3D obstacle detection and all-wheel drive to tackle any turf. How soon before we see this thing on the field at Allegiant Stadium?
😁 Customer Service Reps
Hypervsn has talking humanoid holograms that answer questions on the spot with artificial intelligence. Will these digital employees eventually lead tours at your favorite museum or take your dinner order? I don’t know. But they can’t make cocktails. (We already have robots that do that in Vegas.)
🐕 Dog Walkers
You won’t have to pay a dog walker or even a dog sitter. That’s because man’s next best friend is the Petbot by KEYi Technology. The four-legged robot is cute and equipped with Chat GPT to recognize voice commands and hand gestures.
🚌 Bus Drivers
Zoox has already deployed driverless public transit vehicles buses on Las Vegas streets, and the company scored a swank Today Show profile piece during CES.
👠 Ladies of the Night
Girls to your room? Forget about that expensive stuff. Even the world’s oldest profession is at risk now that Motorbunny “intimacy toys” incorporate AI.
- Just wait until the AVN Expo comes to Vegas 🫣
