Artificial intelligence is moving beyond the digital world and into physical systems, marking the arrival of what industry leaders are calling the era of “Physical AI,” as chipmaker Nvidia used the opening of CES 2026 to outline its vision for the next phase of the technology’s development.
At the opening of the world’s largest consumer electronics show on Monday, Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang unveiled a range of new technologies, including a “Cosmos” world model with more than100billion parameters, a new autonomous-driving VLA model and an expanded robotics software and hardware ecosystem.
Huang said the advances point to a future in which AI systems increasingly interact with and understand the physical world. Last year, Huang described AI agents as the next major trend in robotics. This year’s announcements broadened that outlook to include physical AI, spatial intelligence, on-device AI and embodied intelligence as defining themes for the industry.
Industry analysts say CES 2026 reflects a wider shift in which AI is reshaping the technology value chain from foundational chips and systems to consumer devices and industrial applications.
Once primarily a venue for consumer electronics launches, CES has increasingly become a platform for cross-industry collaboration, linking semiconductor makers, software developers, device manufacturers and end-users. The rise of AI is accelerating the integration of software and hardware and driving changes in industrial structures and global technology partnerships, analysts say.
For Chinese technology companies, the shift also marks a strategic turning point, as firms seek to move beyond exporting products toward building global brands and positioning themselves more deeply within international technology ecosystems.
The growth of AI-native devices, on-device intelligence and AI-enabled hardware is opening new opportunities for Chinese companies to expand their influence across the global industrial chain, according to industry observers.
Chinese technology media group TMTPost said it is expanding its presence at CES this year, as it seeks to connect Chinese innovation more closely with global markets. The company, which has served as an official CES media partner for several years, said it will upgrade its “Media Stage” at the Las Vegas Convention Center’s Central Hall, the main exhibition venue.
TMTPost said the space will be used for interviews, product demonstrations, forums and business matchmaking, aimed at linking technology companies, investors, brands and distribution partners.
The media group added that it will use its Chinese- and English-language platforms, including NextFin.AI and Barron’s China, to amplify coverage and help international audiences better understand Chinese technology developments.
Industry executives say the growing prominence of physical AI and embodied intelligence could reshape sectors ranging from robotics and autonomous driving to manufacturing and healthcare, potentially becoming as transformative as generative AI has been over the past two years.
As companies race to translate AI from virtual applications into real-world systems, CES 2026 is emerging as a focal point for that transition — reflecting how artificial intelligence is evolving from a software phenomenon into a foundational layer of the physical economy.
Over 60 Tech Leaders Gather to Showcase Cutting-Edge Innovation
During the three-day event, the TMTPost Media Stage will become one of the most intellectually vibrant venues for tech dialogue at CES.
More than 60 global executives, tech leaders, and industry observers from sectors such as industrial manufacturing, consumer electronics, AI investment, and smart hardware will engage in intensive discussions on key topics including AI reshaping industrial systems, the evolution of edge intelligence, commercialization paths for AI+ hardware, and global market opportunities. Together, they will present the latest trends in global tech innovation.
From smart displays and industrial automation to autonomous driving chips, embodied intelligence, and next-generation AI devices, a group of leading Chinese and international industry representatives will jointly create the most insightful industry forum at CES 2026.
Three Days of High-Intensity Intellectual Exchange: Deconstructing the New Blueprint for AI Industrialization
With the theme of Innovation-Driven, Intelligently Connecting the World, TMTPost is establishing a clear, progressive content framework during CES 2026. The event will systematically present the complete journey of AI from technological breakthroughs to large-scale application, focusing on three key dimensions: AI Industry Trends, AI Application Scenarios, and Global Branding & Tech Ecosystems.
January 6 | AI Trend Insights & Industry Reshaping
Starting from global technology trends and industrial transformation, this session will feature on-site CES explorations and themed discussions, zooming in on core topics such as AI Reshaping Industrial Systems and AI Investment Barometers. The conversation will explore how AI evolves from foundational capabilities into a new industrial paradigm.
January 7 | AI Application Scenarios & AI+Hardware Leap
This day will delve into the real-world applications and commercialization pathways of AI, breaking down the logic behind AI’s large-scale implementation in specific industries and products. Key topics include On-Device Intelligence, AI-Native Hardware, and the shift from “Computing Power-Driven” to “Value-Driven”.
January 8 | Tech Ecosystems & Building Global Brands
The focus will be on Globalization and Ecosystem Synergy, systematically outlining the next phase of Chinese innovation’s growth in the global market through case studies of corporate localization and a concentrated showcase at the Future Tech Demo Show.
China Innovation Night: The Premier Social Hub at CES
If the Media Stage is the arena for intellectual and trend-driven exchanges, then China Innovation Night is the core social nexus where Chinese technological prowess connects with global resources during CES.
On the evening of January 7th (PST), TMTPost will once again ascend to the pinnacle of Las Vegas—hosting the “CES 2026 China Innovation Night” at the iconic TOP of the World venue. Since its inception in 2018, this signature TMTPost IP has evolved from its original mission—“Let the world see Chinese innovation”—into a key gateway for Chinese innovation to deeply engage with the core of the North American tech ecosystem.
Against the backdrop of deep integration between AI and hardware and a global restructuring of technology valuation logic, this year’s China Innovation Night will bring together key decision-makers from smart hardware standards organizations, leading global Chinese brands, major North American traffic platforms, AI innovation projects, and China-US capital. Through high-density exchanges—such as policy access interpretation, practical go-global sharing, growth methodologies, and capital matchmaking—the event will help Chinese companies systematically understand the real rules and localization challenges of the global market, paving the way for more robust globalization and brand upgrading strategies.
Connecting the World, Boundless Communication
The TMTPost CES 2026 live exploration broadcast will kick off on January 6th (PST), going behind the scenes to uncover the most essential exhibition routes. All noteworthy tech trends will be captured and delivered in real time, with TMTPost’s domestic and international channels broadcasting in sync—making it the most anticipated tech show to watch.
Around CES 2026, TMTPost will also collaborate with the TMTPOST Media Group, NextFin.AI, and Barron’s China as part of an international communication matrix, amplifying the global impact of Chinese innovation through multilingual, cross-platform coverage. During the exhibition, the “2026 CES Innovation Value List” will be released, systematically showcasing the key positions of Chinese innovation on the global tech stage across dimensions such as technological breakthroughs, AI implementation, and the globalization performance of Chinese enterprises.
From January 6th to 9th, 2026, join TMTPost in Las Vegas for a global dialogue—don’t miss it!
(The complete agenda is as follows)
