CES 2026 Recap: The Newest Developments in Robotics and Health Technology
Every year, we attend CES to get a pulse on what people are expecting next in the world of retail. After 4 days exploring the Las Vegas convention, we are feeling inspired and excited for the future of technology innovation. Join us as we dive into some of the main highlights of CES 2026!
Robotics Extravaganza
Our team was thoroughly entertained exploring the robotics section at CES. We enjoyed a blend of comedic presentations, such as breakdancing and piano playing robots, and practical demonstrations, such as folding laundry or coffee making. Several brands even had robots helping run their booths, offering a glimpse into a future where robots are seen in everyday interaction. While some robots were impressively capable, most were awkwardly clumsy or slow. Nevertheless, we left the robotics section entertained and brainstorming ways to integrate robotics into retail.
LG introduced a new household robot called CLOiD, designed to help with everyday chores around the home. While clearly in early stages, we loved this robot that takes on small, time-saving tasks rather than fully autonomous roles.
Agibot brought personality to the show floor with two robots. The first focused on movement and dance, while the latter was a conversational robot that helped run their booth. The combination of physical expression and AI interaction made a lasting impression with our team.
On the more functional side, Roborock displayed a vacuum concept equipped with legs capable of climbing stairs. Personally, we cannot wait for this highly practical design to hit the market. It was one of those moment that made us think, “Why isn’t this a thing yet?”
Roborock Booth
Finally, one of our all-time favorite demos came from Sharpa, whose robot played ping pong against a human opponent. We loved the thoughtful demonstration, which offered laughs while still showcasing the serious advancements in vision tracking, coordination, and reaction speed.
Sharpa Booth
Health and Wellness Technology
We could make an entire blog post based on this category alone. Our team was beyond encouraged by the innovation brought to the table. Below are the products and booths that inspired us to push the bounds of what's possible at retail.
Yuwell presented the latest wearables which offer precision health recording in sleek, wearable designs. We were particularly excited about the Yuwell Smart Ring. Made from titanium alloy and medical-grade resin, the high-tech jewelry offers a delightfully thin design. We’re excited to see how this slim ring leads the way in wearables without compromising accuracy or quality.
Yuwell Booth
Abbott pulled out all of the stops at CES 2026, featuring a panel discussion with tennis star Serena Williams. Paired with their brand-forward booth design, Abbott successfully turned heads and made an impression. We were particularly impressed by their new app feature called Libre Assist. The technology aims to help people with diabetes make meal decisions by providing glucose level predictions. This differentiates the product by offering proactive insights rather than post-meal feedback.
Abbott Booth
Amazfit debuted two conceptual tools that we found rather interesting. The first is the Helio Glasses, which now provide runners with training stats right in front of their eyes, eliminating the need to unbury a watch from outdoor layers and lose focus on the run. We found this concept intriguing and look forward to its further feature development. The second concept was the Vital Food Camera, which explored nutrition optimization by analyzing how, when, and in what context users fuel themselves. We loved how ultra-personalized this concept was, and we are anxiously awaiting its future launch.
Amazfit Booth
Bonus: The Importance of Standing Out Through Design
On a convention floor filled with tech-forward design, we found that the most memorable booths were those that broke the mold. Take a look at some of our favorites below.
Overall, CES 2026 reminded us that the future of retail is being shaped long before products reach shelves. This year’s bold innovation offered a glimpse at many ideas still in development, mirroring how retail environments must evolve: by testing, prototyping, and exploring what’s next. For retail design, CES serves as a reminder that tomorrow’s in-store experiences begin with the concepts brands are willing to make visible today.