The annual Consumer Electronics Show has come and gone, giving Las Vegas its first big event of 2026 and handing all of us some things to mull over — and possibly worry about. Instead of gadgets I could really use — a leash to walk two dogs at the same time or an electronic mop that actually works — we’re getting even more of what we got last year: AUTOMATION. So what does it mean?
🫵 Artificial intelligence Is Here to Replace Everything … Including You
The most eye-opening moment of CES was an event called Lenovo Tech World, which rented out the Sphere for CEOs of industry giants like Lenovo, AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm to rave about their AI, which will “think like you” and “act like you” (“with your permission of course,” which was said several times). Long story short: You’ll give a digital “super agent” access to everything (work files, social media, etc.) while synergizing all devices, from phones to wearables.
A pendant that hangs around your neck, for example, might listen in (but not record) a conversation you had with a co-worker, then confer with you about it later. (#creepy)
🤖 Robots, Robots Everywhere
Even for CES, there were way more robots than usual, threatening to take over any and all jobs in Las Vegas. We already know about autonomous driving in Vegas, but humanoids are being developed to replace hotel housekeepers, clean bathrooms, and even battle it out inside a boxing ring 👊
🤔 Will Any of This Tech Actually Help Las Vegas?
I’ve seen the future — and it’s a 95% unemployment rate. But some tech could actually help us out. Totem is a wearable device that allows people to locate and communicate with each other without cell service or WiFi — useful at festivals like the Electric Daisy Carnival, which has notoriously spotty phone service. A robot can even be used to maximize space and quickly park cars nice and tight, side by side (kinda like machines do with packages in Amazon warehouses). Sounds handy, but I’m just worried it will encourage more paid parking in Las Vegas 👎
Maybe Vegas can fend off the tourism slump with Veny (an all-in-one travel app), Vasco (a close to real-time translation device that clones your voice), or wearable tech by Touchpoint Solution that produces alternating vibrations to cancel out stress after a long travel day.
🙃 What, Me Worry?
We weren’t sure what to believe, so City Cast Las Vegas invited tech expert and AI skeptic Ed Zitron to share some thoughts on CES and the future. If you listen carefully, you can actually hear him roll his eyes when I bring up some of the products and technology showcased at CES. It’s a lively conversation, so check it out 👍 [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
