At CES 2026: The Rise of Physical AI

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After years of chatbots and image generators, artificial intelligence is finally breaking free from the confines of the screen. This pivotal shift was on full display at CES 2026.
The annual technology showcase in Las Vegas was overwhelmingly focused on "physical AI" and robotics. Exhibits ranged from Boston Dynamics' latest iteration of the Atlas humanoid robot to AI-powered appliances like smart ice makers. The participating companies sent a strong signal to consumers: AI is no longer limited to processing information. It's now being engineered to perform tangible work—from maneuvering automotive components in factories and intercepting drones with nets, to entertaining crowds at car company displays.
Join TechCrunch’s Equity podcast as we analyze the standout moments from CES 2026 and discuss the week's most intriguing business deals.
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Loading the player…
After years of chatbots and image generators, artificial intelligence is finally breaking free from the confines of the screen. This pivotal shift was on full display at CES 2026.
The annual technology showcase in Las Vegas was overwhelmingly focused on "physical AI" and robotics. Exhibits ranged from Boston Dynamics' latest iteration of the Atlas humanoid robot to AI-powered appliances like smart ice makers. The participating companies sent a strong signal to consumers: AI is no longer limited to processing information. It's now being engineered to perform tangible work—from maneuvering automotive components in factories and intercepting drones with nets, to entertaining crowds at car company displays.
Join TechCrunch’s Equity podcast as we analyze the standout moments from CES 2026 and discuss the week's most intriguing business deals.
Sam Altman Sparks Debate Over AI's Deceleration
Listen onApple PodcastsListen onSpotifyOpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently suggested that it may be time to “pace the rate of AI development” to allow society to “harden around some of these new capability levels.”On the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equ
OpenAI fights Apple trade secret lawsuit
OpenAI rebutted Apple’s trade secret allegations on Tuesday, arguing the lawsuit is unfounded.“We take these claims seriously but see no evidence supporting them,” OpenAI stated, as reported by Bloomberg’s Ed Ludlow on X. “We support fair competition





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