CES 2026, held January 6-9 in Las Vegas with over 4,000 exhibitors, delivered on pre-event hype around AI, robotics, and foldables, showcasing practical gadgets from stair-climbing vacuums to sensor-enhanced toys. Engadget named 15 category winners, awarding best in show to Lego Smart Play; CNET highlighted novel tech like solid-state batteries.
Amid AI-heavy press conferences, tangible products stood out. Engadget's picks included Switchbot's Onero H1 robot (under $10,000, releasing this year) for laundry tasks; IKEA's 21 Matter-compatible smart home devices ($6 bulb, $8 plug, available January); and Samsung's Galaxy Z TriFold (10-inch tablet folds to 6.5-inch phone, 200MP camera, US launch by late March, ~$2,500).
Lego Smart Play took best in show, embedding sensors in bricks for app-free interactive play—like roaring X-Wing battles—debuting in Star Wars sets this spring.
CNET echoed the focus on utility: Lenovo's Legion Pro Rollable gaming screen (18-24 inches); Roborock Saros Rover stair-climbing vacuum; LG CLOiD folding robot; Donut Labs solid-state battery for Verge TS Pro motorcycle. Standouts like WheelMove wheelchair aid and IXI autofocus glasses emphasized accessibility. Reviewers praised practical over hyped AI, aligning with anticipated trends in home tech, mobility, and gaming.
