Best of CES 2026

CES 2026 concluded this week in Las Vegas, showcasing a pivotal shift in consumer technology from experimental concepts to refined, market-ready hardware. This year’s exhibition was defined by the practical application of generative AI in robotics, a distinct pivot toward "longevity" in health technology, and the maturation of flexible display form factors. From stair-climbing vacuums to trifold smartphones finally reaching the U.S. market, the event highlighted how manufacturers are solving long-standing consumer pain points through advanced engineering and standardization.

Key Takeaways from CES 2026

• Health Tech Evolution: The industry is rebranding weight management as "longevity science," exemplified by the Withings Body Scan 2 which measures metabolic health via non-invasive means.
• Robotics Verticality: Roborock unveiled the first consumer robot vacuum capable of climbing stairs and traversing multi-level homes independently.
• Display Maturity: Samsung confirmed the U.S. release of its Galaxy Z Trifold, while TCL pushed LED technology to 10,000 nits of brightness and 100% BT.2020 color accuracy.
• Automotive AI: Mercedes-Benz demonstrated a Level 2++ autonomous system powered by Nvidia supercomputing, challenging Tesla’s camera-only approach with a robust sensor fusion strategy.

The Shift to Longevity and Clinical-Grade Beauty Tech

One of the most significant trends at CES 2026 was the reimagining of personal health metrics. Moving beyond simple weight tracking, companies are focusing on "longevity"—a holistic approach to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Leading this charge was the Withings Body Scan 2. Unlike traditional smart scales, this device functions as a comprehensive health station. It utilizes galvanic skin response to analyze foot sweat, providing data on metabolic health that previously required invasive blood or urine tests.

"Wings is trying to reposition the idea of weighing yourself into a longevity station... Repositioning it where you're measuring a whole bunch of different health metrics a couple of times a week and seeing what your weight is in the context of your entire health is a really smart idea."

In the beauty sector, L'Oreal introduced a new LED face mask slated for a 2027 launch, pending FDA 510(k) clearance. Unlike many existing products in the category often criticized as ineffective, L'Oreal has prioritized clinical validation and form factor. The device uses a thin, flexible design similar to a sheet mask, ensuring closer contact with the skin for better light penetration and comfort, addressing the primary usability complaints of rigid LED masks.

Computing and Mobile Hardware Break New Ground

The flexible display market is entering a new phase of accessibility and utility. Samsung confirmed that its Galaxy Z Trifold, previously released in Korea, will launch in the U.S. later this year. The device features a massive 10-inch internal screen, effectively bridging the gap between high-end smartphones and tablets. Early hands-on reports suggest the device is positioned as a luxury productivity tool capable of potentially replacing laptops for mobile professionals.

In the laptop sector, the Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo stunned attendees with a dual 16-inch OLED setup. The device features a detachable keyboard and trackpad, allowing users to configure the screens vertically or side-by-side. This form factor brings the productivity of a multi-monitor desktop setup into a portable chassis, powered by high-spec silicon capable of handling AAA gaming and creative workflows.

Audio hardware also saw a notable entrant from a legendary music brand. The Fender Mix headphones mark the guitar giant's debut in consumer Bluetooth audio. Retailing at $299.99, the headphones offer 100 hours of battery life and active noise cancellation (ANC). Crucially, Fender has addressed the issue of e-waste by designing the battery to be user-replaceable, a feature rarely seen in premium consumer audio.

Robotics and Smart Home Interoperability

For the smart home, 2026 is the year of vertical mobility and seamless connectivity. Roborock introduced the Saros Rover, a robotic vacuum equipped with articulated legs. This design allows the unit to climb stairs and hop over thresholds, solving the long-standing limitation of robot vacuums being confined to a single floor.

On the security front, the Aqara Smart Lock U400 highlighted the industry's move toward standardization. It is among the first locks to utilize a UWB (Ultra-Wideband) antenna for hands-free Apple Home Key integration, allowing users to unlock doors simply by approaching. Furthermore, the lock supports the new "Aliro" connectivity standard, promising cross-platform compatibility with Apple, Google, Samsung, and other ecosystems.

"This lock is a great example of how smart home standards are coming together to make the smart home easier to use."

Even the toy sector is seeing sophisticated tech integration. The LEGO Smart Brick, launching in March, features NFC recognition and Bluetooth mesh networking. This allows distinct LEGO sets to interact wirelessly; for example, a character placed in a vehicle is instantly recognized, triggering specific sound effects and lighting. This moves "toys-to-life" concepts away from screens and back into physical play.

Automotive Autonomy and Display Fidelity

In the automotive sector, Mercedes-Benz showcased its Drive Assist Pro, a "Level 2++" partially autonomous system. The platform distinguishes itself through a massive sensor suite comprising five radar sensors, 10 cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors. All data is processed by an onboard Nvidia supercomputer capable of 58 trillion operations per second.

During test drives in San Francisco, the system successfully navigated chaotic urban environments featuring delivery trucks and pedestrians. By combining heavy sensor fusion with Nvidia’s AI silicon, Mercedes aims to offer a more robust safety profile than competitors relying solely on computer vision.

Finally, regarding visual technology, TCL unveiled the X11L, a flagship LED TV priced between $7,000 and $10,000. The display combines reformulated quantum dots with a new color filter to achieve 100% coverage of the BT.2020 color space—a first for LED technology. While the 10,000-nit brightness rating grabs headlines, analysts suggest the breakthrough in color accuracy is the more significant advancement that will eventually trickle down to consumer-grade models in late 2026 and 2027.

What’s Next

As these products move from the show floor to retail shelves throughout 2026, the focus will likely shift to software implementation and ecosystem integration. With hardware form factors like trifolds and stair-climbing robots now becoming reality, the success of these devices will depend on developer support and real-world durability. Consumers can expect the first wave of these next-gen products, including the LEGO Smart Brick and Samsung Trifold, to arrive in the US market within the coming months.