Nvidia, AMD and others unveil AI, robots and new products on CES Day 1

LAS VEGAS — Nvidia, AMD and Intel used the first day of CES 2026 to highlight new chip and artificial-intelligence platform plans, with audiences on the show floor also drawn to robotics demonstrations and consumer-product partnerships.

The trade show also set a pattern for the year ahead, with artificial intelligence appearing “anchored in nearly everything” as tech firms seek AI products that will attract customers.

Nvidia pushes “physical AI” and new chip plans

At Nvidia’s CES presentation, CEO Jensen Huang leaned into the company’s concept of “physical AI,” describing it as AI models trained in a virtual environment using computer-generated “synthetic” data and then deployed as physical machines once they have mastered their purpose.

Huang showed off Cosmos, an AI foundation model Nvidia described as trained on massive datasets and capable of simulating environments governed by actual physics. He also announced Alpamayo, an AI model specifically designed for autonomous driving. In addition, Huang said Nvidia’s next-generation AI superchip platform, dubbed Vera Rubin, is in full production, and he announced a new partnership with Siemens.

The presentation, however, drew the most attention when Huang called for two small “waddling, chirping” robots to join him on stage.

AMD and Intel spotlight new processors for AI-enabled devices

AMD CEO Lisa Su announced a new line of Ryzen AI processors as the company continues to expand its footprint in AI-powered personal computers. AMD also demonstrated a gaming-focused processor, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D.

Intel, meanwhile, announced its new AI chip for laptops: Panther Lake, also known as the Intel Core Ultra Series 3. The company said it has plans to launch a new platform to address a growing market for handheld video gaming machines.

The article also noted that, in recent years, Intel has faced competition as Nvidia’s position in the AI boom gained prominence. It reported that the Trump administration recently secured a 10% stake in Intel, making the government one of the company’s biggest shareholders, and said federal officials described the investment as support for U.S. technology and domestic manufacturing.

Uber brings robotaxi into public view

Uber also returned to the robotaxi push at CES, offering the public a first look at its robotaxi. The company, along with Lucid Motors and vehicle tech company Nuro, introduced an autonomous vehicle featuring an Uber-designed in-cabin experience.

Uber described the vehicle as the “most luxurious robotaxi yet,” saying it includes cameras, sensors and radars providing 360-degree perception. The robotaxi uses a low-profile roof “halo” with integrated LEDs that display riders’ initials to help them spot their car and to track ride status.

Inside, riders can personalize options including climate settings, seat heating and music, while real-time visuals show what the vehicle is seeing on the road and the route it plans to take. The article said autonomous on-road testing began last month in San Francisco, led by Nuro, and that the companies are planning a launch before the end of the year.

Star Wars meets Lego through smart bricks

Lego used the Star Wars spotlight at CES after Lucasfilm chief creative officer David Filoni brought out characters and vehicles that included X-Wing pilots, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and C-3PO.

Lego announced its Lego Smart Play platform, introducing smart bricks, tags and special minifigs for collections. The company said the new bricks contain sensors to detect light and distance and can provide responses such as lights and sounds when the components are used together. Lego also announced a partnership with the Star Wars franchise, positioning the new setup for interactive space battles and light-saber duels.

LG shows a humanoid household helper

LG gave the media a glimpse of a humanoid robot designed for household chores such as folding laundry and fetching food. The article said LG plans to put the robot on display starting Tuesday, with additional details expected then.

Musical lollipops and other CES curiosities

Several lighter product announcements also drew attention. Lollipop Star unveiled a candy that it said plays music while people eat it, describing the technology as “bone induction technology” that lets users hear songs like tracks from Ice Spice and Akon through the lollipop as they lick or bite it, according to spokesperson Cassie Lawrence.

The article said the musical lollipops will go on sale after CES on Lollipop Star’s website for $8.99 each, and that Akon was expected to visit the company’s booth Tuesday when the show opens to the public.

Boston Dynamics’ Atlas demonstrates industrial ambitions

Hyundai-owned Boston Dynamics publicly demonstrated its humanoid robot Atlas for the first time at CES. The article said Boston Dynamics reported that a version of Atlas intended to help assemble cars is already in production and will be deployed by 2028 at Hyundai’s electric-vehicle manufacturing facility near Savannah, Georgia.

Delta expands its Sphere partnership

Delta Air Lines also announced a multiyear partnership with Sphere Entertainment Co., calling it part of a plan to deliver premium experiences to the Sphere in Las Vegas. The article said Delta’s agreement includes a Delta SKY360° Club lounge and that SkyMiles members can unlock exclusive access to other Sphere experiences starting during the final weekend of the Backstreet Boys’ February residency, with features including private suite seating and food and beverages.

Delta also said it will bring its branding to the Sphere’s massive exterior LED screen, and that more exclusive SkyMiles experiences will roll out in 2026 and beyond.