Gadgets, robots, and self-driving vehicles equipped with Artificial Intelligence will be highly publicized at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show, and technology firms planning to display these products will also be focused on finding ways to deal with the looming US tariffs threatened by President-elect Donald Trump.
The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) officially opens in Las Vegas on Tuesday, but leading up to that is a period with numerous product announcements.
The show will focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and feature various autonomous vehicles, including tractors, boats, lawn mowers, and golf cart trolleys.
“Every person out there is going to be discussing AI,” Creative Strategies analyst Carolina Milanesi stated to AFP.
From refrigerators to ovens to anything in between, everyone will be discussing AI, whether it exists or not.
Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote address on the eve of the CES show opening that promises not to be missed, highlighting the company’s AI computer chip innovations, according to independent tech industry analyst Robert Enderle.
Chip industry rivals Intel, AMD and Qualcomm are expected to counter with news of their own.
Cars and robots
The Consumer Electronics Show will also take place in conjunction with a large-scale automobile exhibition, where car manufacturers, as well as those providing automotive components, will be showcasing autonomous driving and advanced safety features.
“This year’s CES has become an all-auto show to a larger extent than ever before,” stated Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s close relationship with US President Donald Trump is anticipated to diminish regulatory obstacles for autonomous vehicles.
And while still far from becoming a common event in everyday life, flying cars are likely to be a part of the CES scene, as predicted by an analyst named Enderle.
“You should start seeing flying vehicles available for purchase,” Enderle stated.
Securing permission for them to fly is a completely different story altogether.
Robots designed to manage work duties or serve as friendly companions – even endearing pets – are among the featured attractions at the upcoming exhibition.
Gadgets aimed at soothing the mind, enhancing physical appearance, or facilitating a restful night’s sleep will also be showcased on the exhibition floor as technology increasingly permeates every aspect of life.
“Digital health is going to be a major trend,” said Greengart.
We are witnessing a significant increase in the use of technology that is worn or utilized to monitor various health metrics.
Technological advancements powered by artificial intelligence will also be transforming homes, including installments such as smart cooking tools, like a spice dispenser that “learns” a cook’s taste preferences, and increasingly intelligent, automated cleaning devices, such as robot vacuum cleaners, in addition to other “smart” major household appliances.
Tariff anxiety?
Analysts said tariffs mentioned by Trump would increase expenses for imported goods, a concern that may be on the minds of CES attendees targeting the US market.
The products displayed at the show include significant imported content, and if Trump imposes tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, prices will likely surge, according to analyst Enderle’s analysis.
“There will be a significant number of vendors at CES who are worried about tariffs,” Enderle noted regarding concerns about tariffs.
A lot of the conversation will take place in private to avoid incurring the displeasure of the incoming administration.
Private discussions at CES will involve strategies for managing supply chain disruptions caused by tariffs, according to Greengart.
Milanesi hopes it’s clear whether Chinese companies will boycott CES because of Trump’s trade policies or whether they will attend again once their business travel restrictions are lifted.
“It will be intriguing to engage in conversations with representatives from abroad to gauge how they perceive the technological landscape after four years under Trump and Musk’s influence,” Milanesi said.
Chinese companies with substantial US presences, such as the smart television competitors TCL and Hisense, will be at CES.
“They are going to return, probably even more impressive and vibrant than ever,” Greengart said of the TV manufacturers.
There is also a growing division of the market between China and the rest of the world that is most pronounced in the mobile sector and the auto sector with electric vehicles.
