CES 2026: Design and Technology signals to watch

Across categories, there was a noticeable move away from feature-heavy products toward experiences designed to reduce friction. Artificial intelligence, while still present everywhere, was less overt. Instead of being positioned as a headline feature, AI increasingly operates in the background, enabling products to respond more intuitively, automate routine tasks and simplify interactions.

This shift places greater emphasis on experience design. The products that felt most compelling were those that required little explanation, adapting naturally to users rather than asking users to adapt to them.

Micro-LED and OLED screens are now brighter and higher resolution than ever, and these display technologies are arguably approaching a point of being “good enough” for most use cases.

However, we were particularly impressed by an enhanced version of Samsung’s 6K, no-glasses-required 3D gaming monitor. The experience was remarkably immersive and demonstrated that meaningful innovation in display technology is still very much alive.

Physically, technology is becoming quieter too. Many products showcased at CES 2026 leaned into reduced forms, softer materials and more restrained visual language. High-gloss finishes and aggressive aesthetics are giving way to matte surfaces, warmer tones and designs that feel more at home in everyday environments.

As technology continues to move into more personal spaces, from homes to wearables to vehicles, emotional comfort and trust are becoming key design considerations, not afterthoughts.

In the smart home and robotics sector, the emphasis has shifted from spectacle to utility. The most compelling innovations are no longer the most dramatic demonstrations, but rather practical products designed to quietly manage everyday tasks with minimal user interaction.

Advances in automation, presence sensing, and predictive systems point toward homes that prioritise support over control. In this model, technology fades into the background, enabling seamless assistance rather than demanding constant engagement from users.

Significant advances in sensor technology are enabling robots to interact more effectively with the physical world. In parallel, new motor designs and advanced control systems have emerged, while economies of scale have reduced component costs by orders of magnitude. Together, these developments are making commercially viable “physical AI” increasingly attainable and are expected to accelerate mass adoption.

Another key signal from CES 2026 was the gradual shift away from screen-first interaction models. Wearables, ambient systems, non-invasive neural interfaces and voice-led platforms continue to mature, raising important questions about how feedback, control and clarity can be communicated without reliance on traditional displays.

Non-invasive neural interfaces in wearable technology had a notably stronger presence this year. These systems are being applied to monitor brain health, measure levels of concentration and, in some cases, enable direct control through increasingly capable on-board processing.

For designers, this transition represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to create meaningful interactions through subtle cues such as light, sound, haptics and behavioural feedback, rather than through explicit visual interfaces.

New battery technologies and products were widespread across the show. Products featuring Donut Lab’s solid-state batteries, including the Verge motorcycle range, were particularly prominent.

In-wheel motor technology now appears commercially feasible. Previously, it could reasonably be dismissed as a form-over-function concept with limited practical value. However, current implementations deliver high torque and power density while adding minimal unsprung weight. This has the potential to simplify vehicle drivetrains and significantly reduce system cost.

The integration of solar-embedded technology is emerging in innovative and inspiring ways, as demonstrated on Panasonic’s stand. On display was a highly customizable, functional and decorative perovskite solar solution featuring a translucent, leaf-inspired pattern.

Image Credit: Perovskite solar cells, Panasonic Group

Samsung unveiled its new Music Studio Series Wi-Fi speakers (Music Studio 5 and 7), which combine a clean, restrained aesthetic with the company’s latest spatial high-resolution audio technology. The result felt refreshingly differentiated amid the abundance of Bluetooth speakers on display at the show.

Lego fans have been getting excited about a brand new brick that’s just been announced by the Danish toy company. It’s called the Smart Brick.  It’s the same size as a standard Lego brick but has tech features like lights, scanners, speakers and sensors.

It’s a key part of a Smart Play system that Lego revealed at CES.

Image Credit: Lego Smart Play Brick CES 2026, Dezeen

It was hard to get anywhere near the robot boxing matches, as they drew huge crowds at CES. Even more interesting was the buzz among the spectators around us, who were placing informal bets, convinced they had spotted which robot had the superior skills.

CES 2026 reinforced the message that the future of technology is not defined by louder innovation but by more thoughtful integration. As products become smarter and more capable, the role of design becomes increasingly critical, shaping how technology fits into daily life, builds trust and supports human behaviour.

Rather than pointing to a single future, CES 2026 offered a set of signals. Together, these suggest a direction where technology steps into the background, design steps forward, and experiences become more intuitive, calm and human-centred.