CES 2026, the latest in a long line of consumer electronics trade shows, left many attendees feeling underwhelmed and uneasy. Amidst the buzz around AI advancements and emerging technologies, it became clear that the future being touted by companies was more lonely and infantilizing than promised.
The absence of major automakers from the show was palpable, with many instead choosing to focus on robotics startups peddling humanoid robots designed to work in production lines and take care of homes. The excitement around these innovations felt forced, with some exhibitors struggling to convince attendees that their products were more than just novelty items.
Gadgets like toilet computers, massage chairs, and scootcases seemed to be filling perceived holes in people's lives without necessarily making them better or easier to live with. This was a concern for the author, who acknowledged the importance of assistive technology but felt skeptical about devices that promised to make life more convenient at the expense of human connection.
The elephant in the room was the pervasive presence of AI-powered companions and robots designed to replace human interaction. From robotic pets to holographic AI assistants, these innovations seemed intent on distracting us from our own bodies and the world around us.
LG's vision of a future where humans are coddled by machines and lose touch with their physical health felt particularly concerning. The emphasis on automation and convenience came at the cost of human connection and the joys of experiencing life without the aid of technology.
As CES 2026 drew to a close, it was clear that the industry's focus on AI and emerging technologies had created a sense of detachment from the fundamental aspects of human experience. While there were certainly some innovative announcements, they seemed to be overshadowed by the lingering sense of unease about what this future might hold for humanity.
The absence of major automakers from the show was palpable, with many instead choosing to focus on robotics startups peddling humanoid robots designed to work in production lines and take care of homes. The excitement around these innovations felt forced, with some exhibitors struggling to convince attendees that their products were more than just novelty items.
Gadgets like toilet computers, massage chairs, and scootcases seemed to be filling perceived holes in people's lives without necessarily making them better or easier to live with. This was a concern for the author, who acknowledged the importance of assistive technology but felt skeptical about devices that promised to make life more convenient at the expense of human connection.
The elephant in the room was the pervasive presence of AI-powered companions and robots designed to replace human interaction. From robotic pets to holographic AI assistants, these innovations seemed intent on distracting us from our own bodies and the world around us.
LG's vision of a future where humans are coddled by machines and lose touch with their physical health felt particularly concerning. The emphasis on automation and convenience came at the cost of human connection and the joys of experiencing life without the aid of technology.
As CES 2026 drew to a close, it was clear that the industry's focus on AI and emerging technologies had created a sense of detachment from the fundamental aspects of human experience. While there were certainly some innovative announcements, they seemed to be overshadowed by the lingering sense of unease about what this future might hold for humanity.
I gotta say, CES 2026 felt like a bit of a letdown, ya know? Everyone's all hyped up about AI and robots taking over our lives, but is it really making us better off? It seems like we're just trading in human connection for some shiny new gadget or robot friend 
. I mean, what's the point of having a toilet computer if you can't even have a real conversation with someone? 
And don't even get me started on those humanoid robots... they just seem so... lonely 
. We need to be careful not to trade in our humanity for some fancy tech 
.
. like, who needs a toilet computer or a massage chair? can't we just enjoy the simple things in life without having to rely on technology? 
and don't even get me started on those AI-powered companions... it's like we're trying to replace human interaction with robots 
. anyway, can't wait to see what the future holds (but hopefully, it's gonna be a lot more exciting than CES 2026 
).
i mean whats up with all these robots and ai powered companions? like are we really gonna rely on machines to take care of us when were capable humans lol. and those gadgets? toilet computers and massage chairs? who thought that was a good idea 
. its all about convenience at the expense of human connection, im not buying it 
. i mean lg's vision of a future where we coddle machines and lose touch with our bodies sounds like a recipe for disaster 
.
lg's vision of humans being coddled by machines seems super concerning to me... what about the value of human connection and experiencing life on our own terms? 
I'm worried about where we're headed 
. All these AI advancements and robot companions are cool and all, but at what cost? 
I mean, who needs friends when you have a holographic AI assistant that can simulate human-like conversations? 
I'm not sure I want to live in a world where I can just summon my robot butler to do everything for me 
. Let's keep things balanced, you know? 
Those humanoid robots are cool and all, but are they really gonna replace our human relationships? 
. Like, who needs a robot to do your chores when you can just hang out with real people? 
It's all about human connection, you know? And don't even get me started on those AI-powered companions... it's like they're trying to replace us or something 
. It's all about finding that balance, you feel? 
. And don't even get me started on these gadgets... who thought toilet computers were a good idea? 
. Give me a break from the holographic AI assistants any day 
.