Nvidia Secures $500 Billion Orders While Intel Discusses On-Device AI

CES 2026, held in Las Vegas on January 9, 2026, showcased a significant shift in artificial intelligence, moving from purely software-based applications to integrated physical hardware. Companies unveiled production-ready robots, AI PCs, smart TVs, and advanced autonomous vehicles. This trend highlights AI's increasing presence in tangible products, though the widespread commercial use of complex humanoids still faces challenges related to processing power and battery life. Major players like Hyundai and Boston Dynamics introduced an electric Atlas industrial humanoid robot for factory tasks, while LG presented CLOiD, a wheeled home robot. SwitchBot also displayed its Onero H1 home humanoid. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, whose company reported a record $57 billion in Q3 revenue and secured $500 billion in AI chip orders through 2026, expressed optimism for human-level robot capabilities this year, driven by generative AI. Nvidia has also invested in OpenAI and xAI. AI is increasingly moving from cloud-based systems to on-device processing to reduce costs. Intel and Perplexity AI discussed this shift, while Lenovo unveiled its Qira AI voice assistant and Meta enhanced its Ray-Ban Display. Samsung emphasized a "trust-by-design" approach, utilizing on-device AI for local data processing and its Knox security platform for cross-device protection, partnering with Google and Microsoft. In autonomous technology, Nvidia partnered with Mercedes-Benz for self-driving car software, with the first vehicle launching in the US in Q1. Bosch announced a nearly $3 billion investment in AI by 2027, expanding its partnership with Microsoft for factory optimization and teaming up with Kodiak AI to develop autonomous truck platforms. Kodiak AI plans to deploy its driverless platform for long-haul trucking on public roads by the end of 2026. Google is integrating AI into education, with Google Classroom launching a feature for teachers to create AI-generated podcast lessons using the Gemini tab. However, experts like Ian Bremmer warn about the dangers of unchecked AI, citing potential "hallucinations." Concerns also arose in Wisconsin regarding the massive energy demands of data centers and the potential for residential customers to bear costs if the AI industry experiences a bubble burst.

Key Takeaways

• CES 2026 highlighted a major shift of AI from software to physical hardware, including robots, AI PCs, and autonomous vehicles.
• Humanoid robots like Hyundai/Boston Dynamics Atlas, LG CLOiD, and Generative Bionics GENE.01 were showcased, but widespread commercial use is still distant due to processing power and battery life challenges.
• Nvidia reported record Q3 revenue of $57 billion and secured $500 billion in AI chip orders through 2026, investing in OpenAI and xAI.
• Nvidia is partnering with Mercedes-Benz for autonomous vehicle software, with the first car using this technology launching in the US in Q1.
• Bosch is investing nearly $3 billion in AI by 2027 to boost productivity and develop new products, partnering with Microsoft for factory optimization and Kodiak AI for autonomous truck platforms.
• AI is moving from cloud to devices to save costs, with companies like Intel, Lenovo (Qira AI voice assistant), Meta (Ray-Ban Display), and Google introducing new AI-enhanced products.
• Samsung emphasizes a "trust-by-design" approach for AI, using on-device AI for data privacy and its Knox security platform for cross-device protection, collaborating with Google and Microsoft.
• Google Classroom launched a new feature allowing teachers to create AI-generated podcast episodes using the Gemini tab for lessons.
• Concerns exist regarding unchecked AI's potential for "hallucinations" and the financial burden of massive energy projects for data centers on residential customers, particularly in Wisconsin.
• The AI ecosystem requires broad investment in semiconductors and data centers, with AI semiconductors projected to capture nearly 60% of total AI infrastructure spending by 2030.

CES 2026 shows AI moving into physical hardware

CES 2026 in Las Vegas on January 9, 2026, highlighted a major shift in AI from software to hardware. Companies showcased production-ready robots, AI PCs, smart TVs, and advanced autonomous vehicles. Hyundai and Boston Dynamics introduced an electric Atlas industrial humanoid robot for factory tasks. LG unveiled CLOiD, a wheeled home robot for chores, integrating with its ThinQ smart home system. SwitchBot also presented its Onero H1 home humanoid.

Physical AI shines at CES but humanoids need time

At CES in Las Vegas on January 9, 2026, physical AI dominated, showcasing robots and autonomous driving. Many companies presented AI-powered gadgets for various tasks, from hair cutting to emotional support. However, humanoid robots still face challenges with processing power and battery life, meaning they are not ready for widespread use or affordability yet. Experts like Arm's Chris Bergey noted AI drives innovation, while Intel and Perplexity AI discussed the shift of AI from cloud to devices to save costs. Lenovo, Meta, and Google also introduced new AI-enhanced products for homes and personal use.

Nvidia aims for another record year with AI growth

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang spoke at CES on January 9, 2026, about the company's ambitious AI future. Nvidia, co-founded in 1993, sees AI moving into self-driving cars, robots, and intelligent machines. The company reported a record $57 billion in Q3 revenue and secured $500 billion in AI chip orders through 2026. Nvidia has invested in companies like OpenAI and xAI, and partnered with Mercedes-Benz for autonomous vehicle software. The first autonomous car using Nvidia's technology will launch in the US in Q1, followed by Europe and Asia.

CES 2026 highlights physical AI but humanoids are still far

CES in Las Vegas on January 9, 2026, showcased a strong shift towards physical AI, including robotics and autonomous driving. While many companies presented AI-powered gadgets, fully functional humanoid robots still face significant challenges with processing power and battery life. Arm's Chris Bergey noted AI is driving innovation, and Arm even created a physical AI unit. Lenovo unveiled its Qira AI voice assistant, and Meta enhanced its Ray-Ban Display. Experts believe AI applications will move from the cloud to devices, requiring specialized chips.

Humanoid robots shine at CES but widespread use is distant

Humanoid robots were a major highlight at CES in Las Vegas this week, with tech companies showcasing their visions for physical AI. Nvidia, AMD, and Qualcomm made significant announcements, and Google DeepMind is working with Boston Dynamics on the Atlas robot. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang expects human-level robot capabilities this year, driven by generative AI technology like ChatGPT. Companies like Italy's Generative Bionics, backed by AMD, displayed their GENE.01 robot, and LG's CLOiD robot demonstrated household tasks. While exciting, analysts like Ben Wood from CCS Insight caution that widespread commercial use of humanoids is still a long way off.

Bosch invests 3 billion dollars in AI for future tech

Bosch announced at CES that it will invest nearly $3 billion in AI by the end of 2027. This investment aims to boost productivity and develop new automotive and industrial products. Bosch is expanding its partnership with Microsoft to use agentic AI for optimizing factory production. The company also teamed up with Kodiak AI to develop autonomous truck platforms, supplying hardware like sensors and steering systems. Despite recent job cuts, Bosch expects strong long-term growth from AI-based software and sensor technologies, projecting sales to exceed 10 billion euros by the mid-2030s.

Kodiak AI and Bosch team up for driverless trucks

Kodiak AI announced on January 5, 2026, a partnership with Bosch to expand the manufacturing of its Kodiak Driver autonomous technology platform. This collaboration will allow customers to integrate Kodiak's hardware and software either directly into vehicle production or by upgrading existing fleets. Kodiak AI plans to fully deploy its driverless platform for long-haul trucking on public roads by the end of 2026. Bosch will supply key hardware components like sensors and steering systems, helping to develop a robust autonomous platform. Paul Thomas of Bosch North America believes this partnership will advance autonomous trucking.

Doosan Bobcat CEO discusses AI in manufacturing

Scott Park, CEO of Doosan Bobcat, discussed the company's business strategy and new AI-voiced controlled construction equipment. He spoke with Shery Ahn from "The Asia Trade" at the CES trade show on January 9, 2026. Park highlighted the role of AI in manufacturing and how it is being integrated into their products.

Samsung discusses AI trust security and privacy at CES

Samsung Electronics hosted a panel at CES 2026 on January 9, 2026, discussing trust, security, and privacy in the age of AI. Experts, including Samsung's Shin Baik, emphasized that AI systems must be predictable, transparent, and offer user control to build trust. Samsung highlighted its "trust-by-design" approach, using on-device AI to keep personal data local and cloud AI for speed. The company also showcased its Knox security platform and Knox Matrix for cross-device protection. Samsung stressed the importance of industry partnerships with Google and Microsoft to strengthen security.

AI can improve public records access says former clerk

A former Virginia court clerk, Jack Kennedy, shared insights on how AI can improve public record keeping. He recalled how Virginia courthouses modernized from bound books to digital systems 25 years ago, improving transparency and public trust. Kennedy believes AI will not replace human roles or official records but can help people access and understand public records faster and better. He suggests the 2026 Virginia General Assembly consider studying how to modernize land records with AI. The goal remains fairness, access, and trust for the public.

Google Classroom lets teachers create AI podcasts

Google Classroom has launched a new feature allowing teachers to turn lessons into AI-generated podcast episodes using the Gemini tab. Educators can customize grade levels, topics, and conversation styles for these audio lessons. This tool is available to institutions with Workplace Education subscriptions, and school administrators control access for staff members aged 18 and older. Google emphasizes that teachers must review all AI-generated content for accuracy and appropriateness before sharing it with students. This feature aims to engage Gen Z students, who are frequent podcast listeners, and offers a flexible learning format.

Investing in AI ecosystem requires broad strategy

Investing in the growing AI ecosystem requires a broad strategy, as AI is becoming a major economic system. Key areas for investment include semiconductors and data centers, which form the physical backbone of the AI economy. Electrification, nuclear power, and infrastructure development are also crucial for AI's long-term growth and scalability. Cloud computing, robotics, and cybersecurity will benefit as AI adoption expands. Experts predict AI semiconductors could capture nearly 60% of total AI infrastructure spending by 2030, highlighting the massive capital expenditure driving this cycle.

Emmys update rules for AI and movie categories

The Emmys announced new rules on January 9, 2026, including guidance for AI use in productions. They also changed the "Outstanding Television Movie" category to simply "Outstanding Movie" to better reflect films made for both broadcast and streaming. Other updates include changes to short-form program categories, which will now track original and derived series. The music field will expand its main title theme music category to include "main-on-end" themes, and sound mixing for unscripted programming will split into two categories.

AI is powerful but dangerous if unchecked says expert

Ian Bremmer, founder and president of Eurasia Group, warns that AI is a powerful force but also dangerous if unchecked. He predicts that by 2026, AI will "eat its users" as more people adopt chatbots for daily tasks. Bremmer highlights that large language models can still produce "hallucinations" or misleading errors. He emphasizes that AI is not yet fully tested in the real world by consumers, businesses, or governments.

Wisconsin worries about AI bubble impact on energy costs

A consumer watchdog group in Wisconsin is concerned about who will pay for massive energy projects for data centers if the AI industry experiences a bubble burst. While data centers employ few people, they demand huge amounts of energy, leading Wisconsin utility companies to invest billions. Tom Content of the Citizens Utility Board of Wisconsin fears residential customers might cover these costs if tech companies reduce investments. Microsoft stated its commitment to communities and responsibility for energy and infrastructure costs. The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin is reviewing proposals from We Energies and Alliant Energy to ensure data centers pay for their dedicated infrastructure.

Sources

• The Tech Buzz | The Future of Tech News & Insights
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• Doosan Bobcat CEO on AI in Manufacturing
• Samsung Explores How Trust, Security & Privacy Shape the Future of AI at CES 2026
• From courthouse books to artificial intelligence: A message to the next generation of record keepers from a former court clerk
• Teachers Can Now Turn Lessons Into AI Podcast Episodes with Google Classroom
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