Now I want to talk trends from the show. Robotics and automation were everywhere. While the hype around advanced robotic assistants continues, the reality remains that no single robot is ready to take over all household chores. Companies like Roborock and Dreame have introduced legged vacuum robots capable of navigating obstacles, but the trend leans heavily towards specialized robots for specific tasks, such as lawn mowing and pool cleaning. According to reports, manufacturers are focusing on single-purpose robots, which contrasts with the expectations of multifunctional robots like those seen in science fiction. Boston Dynamics showcased its humanoid robot Atlas, set for production in 2028, while other humanoid prototypes from companies like LG and SwitchBot still lack the readiness for practical household applications.
According to reports, more than 40% of companies are investing in AI-driven tools to enhance productivity and streamline operations, indicating a clear trend toward integrating technology into everyday tasks. Microsoft and IBM showcased AI solutions designed to assist workers in decision-making processes and reduce repetitive tasks. As machines take on routine roles, human workers are expected to shift focus towards strategic decision-making and oversight, according to Bernard Marr, a contributor to Forbes. This suggests a future where human value lies not in performing tasks but in orchestrating automation and identifying opportunities for innovation.
CES 2026 marks a pivotal moment where technology, geopolitics, and business strategy intersect significantly. This year, the focus is on practical applications of innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence, which is reshaping organizational operations and enhancing efficiency. According to Gary Shapiro, CEO of the Consumer Technology Association, tasks that previously took hours can now be completed in seconds thanks to AI, indicating a shift from novelty to impactful implementation. The show highlights not only AI but also emerging trends in mobility, healthcare technology, and robotics, which are increasingly integrated into everyday life. This year’s CES emphasizes the importance of regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation while balancing compliance, with Shapiro asserting that the future of technology will be shaped by collaboration, regulation, and sustainable energy solutions.
Why do we care?
Here’s the trap CES sets.
When you see robots walking, lifting, navigating—it’s easy to assume we’re close to general autonomy. We’re not. What we’re seeing is the payoff from years of hardware investment. The software side—the part that decides what should happen—is still the bottleneck.
That’s why the home is stuck with compromised generalist robots. You can’t fit five specialized machines into a living room. Industry doesn’t have that constraint. Factories want specialized robots, each tightly governed. That’s why robotics in industry will move faster, break less, and deliver ROI sooner.
IT automation works the same way.
If you try to automate everything—tickets, remediation, decision-making—you create a system no one fully understands. When it fails, the customer doesn’t blame the model. They blame you.
The smarter move is boring by comparison: narrow automations, explicit authority, and humans who orchestrate instead of react. That’s not a step backward. That’s how real systems scale.
This matters now because vendors are selling the illusion of completeness. MSPs who buy into that illusion will spend the next few years explaining why the automation didn’t quite work as advertised.
The opportunity isn’t full automation.
It’s disciplined automation—designed to fail safely, supervised deliberately, and priced honestly.