CES 2026 showcased artificial intelligence as a dominant force, with companies like Samsung unveiling their "Your Companion to AI Living" vision. Samsung introduced new AI-powered products, including the Micro RGB 130" TV and the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub, aiming to integrate AI into daily life for convenience and care. This focus on AI companions and smart home devices highlighted a significant shift, with AI and robotaxis taking center stage over electric vehicles at the event. Beyond the home, AI is transforming personal computing and specialized fields. Ugreen launched AI-powered Network-Attached Storage boxes, the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro, featuring Intel Core Ultra processors. These devices offer local AI capabilities like Uliya AI Chat for offline file interaction and AI Album for smart photo categorization. Razer also introduced Project Ava, a physical AI gaming companion that provides real-time advice and can act as a general desk assistant, reflecting a trend towards tangible AI companions. The impact of AI extends to education and industrial sectors. Arizona State University is investing hundreds of millions in AI, with President Michael Crow calling it a "great equalizer." All ASU students, faculty, and staff now have access to OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu with GPT-5, ensuring private data use. Meanwhile, industrial giant Bosch announced a substantial $2.9 billion investment in artificial intelligence by the end of 2027, aiming to boost productivity and develop new products across its operations, from manufacturing to customer service. AI is also making strides in sports training and biopharma. LUMISTAR unveiled AI-powered sports training robots, TERO for tennis and CARRY for basketball, designed to act as adaptive partners. In healthcare, AI is now creating drug-like antibodies, with experts anticipating the first AI-designed antibody in clinical trials within one to two years. However, billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned that the AI boom shows signs of being in the "early stages of a bubble," advising investors to prepare for a potential market correction in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung showcased its "Your Companion to AI Living" vision at CES 2026, introducing AI-powered products like the Micro RGB 130" TV and Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub.
- Arizona State University (ASU) is investing hundreds of millions in AI, providing all students, faculty, and staff access to OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu with GPT-5, as President Michael Crow champions AI as a "great equalizer."
- Ugreen launched AI-powered NAS boxes, the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro, with the Pro model costing $1,699 and featuring Intel Core Ultra processors for local AI capabilities.
- Bosch plans to invest $2.9 billion in artificial intelligence by the end of 2027 to enhance productivity and develop new products across its operations.
- LUMISTAR introduced AI-powered sports training robots, TERO for tennis and CARRY for basketball, at CES 2026, acting as adaptive training partners.
- Razer unveiled Project Ava, a physical AI gaming companion that offers real-time advice and general desk assistance.
- AI is now being used to create drug-like antibodies, with predictions of the first AI-designed antibody entering clinical trials within one to two years.
- At CES 2026, artificial intelligence and robotaxis dominated the spotlight, while electric vehicles were less prominent, reflecting a shift in industry focus.
- Billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned that the AI boom is in the "early stages of a bubble," suggesting investors prepare for a potential market correction in 2026.
Samsung unveils AI companions for daily life at CES 2026
Samsung showcased its "Your Companion to AI Living" vision at The First Look 2026 during CES on January 6, 2026, in Las Vegas. The event highlighted how AI can make daily life more enjoyable, convenient, healthy, and safe. Samsung introduced new products like the award-winning Micro RGB 130" TV and AI-powered home appliances such as the Bespoke AI Refrigerator Family Hub. The exhibition featured zones for entertainment, home, and care, demonstrating evolving AI experiences.
Samsung shares AI vision at First Look 2026 event
Samsung Electronics held The First Look 2026 press conference on January 4, 2026, at Wynn Las Vegas, ahead of CES 2026. The company presented its vision for "Your Companion to AI Living," aiming to bring joy, convenience, and care to daily life. Samsung unveiled new products and technologies designed to achieve this goal. The company also stressed its commitment to making AI available to everyone by adding it to all its products and services.
ASU invests in AI to transform college education
Arizona State University is investing hundreds of millions of dollars in artificial intelligence to change college education. ASU President Michael Crow calls AI a "great equalizer." Since October, all ASU students, faculty, and staff gained access to OpenAI's ChatGPT Edu with GPT-5, with private data use. The university also offers tools like a "Language Buddy" and AI patient models for health sciences. ASU aims to create "master learners" and make education more accessible, while also researching AI sustainability and offering upskilling programs for new job skills.
Ugreen launches AI powered storage boxes for homes and studios
Ugreen introduced new AI-powered Network-Attached Storage boxes, the iDX6011 and iDX6011 Pro, on January 6, 2026. The Pro model costs $1,699 and features Intel Core Ultra processors. These NAS boxes offer advanced AI capabilities like Universal Search, Uliya AI Chat for offline file interaction, and AI Album for smart photo categorization. They also provide Voice Memos transcription and automatic file organization. Designed with integrated power supplies and aluminum bodies, these devices aim to bring local AI search and management to personal and professional data.
LUMISTAR unveils AI sports training robots at CES 2026
LUMISTAR introduced new AI-powered sports training robots, TERO for tennis and CARRY for basketball, at CES 2026 on January 5, 2026. These robots act as active training partners, predicting movement and adjusting to player performance in real time. TERO features a 4K dual camera and auto-calibration for precise tennis shot alignment and feedback. CARRY uses an integrated AI camera to analyze basketball shooting form and track progress. Demos are available January 6-7, with TERO pre-sales in March 2026 and CARRY's Kickstarter in April 2026.
AI now creates drug-like antibodies for biopharma
On January 6, 2026, reporter Brittany Trang discussed how AI is now creating drug-like antibodies. In 2025, researchers successfully used AI to design the basic sequences for antibodies that scientists then refined. The biopharma industry is still debating what truly counts as an "AI-designed" antibody. While some believe AI should create a clinic-ready antibody without further lab work, others accept AI-generated starting points. Experts predict a company will soon announce the first AI-designed antibody in clinical trials within the next one to two years.
Razer unveils Project Ava AI gaming companion at CES
Razer launched Project Ava AI hardware at CES, transforming its software-first AI co-pilot into a physical device. This cylindrical device sits beside a monitor, displaying an animated avatar like Kira or Zane. Project Ava acts as a virtual coach, offering real-time gaming advice, such as loadout recommendations for games like Battlefield 6. Users can customize avatars and Razer plans partnerships with gaming influencers. Beyond gaming, Ava can also provide general desk assistance, reflecting a trend of physical AI companions at CES.
Bosch invests 2.9 billion dollars in artificial intelligence
Bosch, a major car-parts supplier, announced it will invest $2.9 billion in artificial intelligence by the end of 2027. This investment aims to boost productivity and develop new products. Bosch plans to integrate AI across all its operations, including manufacturing, logistics, product development, and customer service. The company expects this move to enhance efficiency, improve quality, and create innovative solutions for its customers. This commitment will drive significant growth and strengthen Bosch's leadership in the automotive industry.
Ray Dalio warns AI boom shows signs of a bubble
On January 6, 2026, billionaire investor Ray Dalio warned that the artificial intelligence boom is in the "early stages of a bubble." He noted that US stocks surged in 2025, largely due to optimism about AI. Dalio believes investors should prepare for a possible market correction in 2026 before companies fully integrate AI. He compared the current AI euphoria to about 80% of the excitement before the 1929 stock market crash or the 2000 dot-com bubble. Dalio advised diversifying investments and highlighted gold's strong performance in 2025.
AI and robotaxis dominate CES as EVs fade
At CES on January 6, 2026, artificial intelligence and robotaxis took center stage, while electric vehicles (EVs) were less prominent. For example, Hyundai focused on Boston Dynamics' Atlas robot rather than a new EV model. Mercedes also announced plans for Level 3 autonomous driving in California and Nevada. This shift reflects a slowdown in global EV sales growth expected in 2026 due to factors like ending subsidies and high costs. Car companies now feel pressure to showcase AI strategies to attract investors, making CES more about AI than traditional car announcements.
Sources
- [CES 2026] Inside Samsungās The First Look 2026: A Vision of AI Companions for Everyday Life
- [Video] Samsung Outlines AI Vision at The First Look 2026 Press Conference
- How AI is changing college
- Ugreen is now selling an AI NAS with more RAM than my desktop
- AI MOVES FROM DATA TO COURT: LUMISTAR INTRODUCES NEW AI TRAINING PARTNER FOR SPORTS
- AI has finally started making drug-like antibodies. When will it revolutionize biopharma?
- Razer Launches Project Ava AI Hardware At CES
- Bosch to Invest $2.9 Billion in AI Over Next Couple of Years
- Ray Dalio warns AI is in the early stages of a bubble
- At CES, EVs take a backseat to robotaxis and AI
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