AI was everywhere at CES 2026, from robots to toilets and toys. The race to define the next computing interface is on, agentic ad tech is emerging, and health wearables are pushing further into physiological data. Best in show: Lego’s Smart Brick.

AI enters 2026 facing energy bottlenecks, regulatory battles, and a gap between promise and performance. From market corrections to voice assistant limits and physical AI’s unreadiness, hype is meeting reality.

The milestone: Amazon recently deployed its 1 millionth robot in its fulfillment centers—a figure approaching the number of human workers at those facilities. Our take: Automation is a central element within Amazon’s relentless push to narrow the gap between click and doorstep. Fast delivery isn’t just about convenience; it transforms how consumers shop. The faster Amazon gets everyday essentials like toothpaste into customers’ hands—especially with free delivery for Prime members—the harder it becomes for other retailers to compete. That gives Amazon a durable edge as it looks to expand its share of US ecommerce sales.

The news: Amazon is testing humanoid delivery robots, per The Information, which could work in tandem with human drivers or as part of an autonomous fleet of delivery vehicles. The humanoid robotics team is working on incorporating large language models (LLMs) from Chinese companies DeepSeek and Alibaba so the bots can contextualize real-world surroundings. Our take: Delivery bots could help with heavy loads and ease the burden on human drivers, but Amazon might be better served with a less human form factor, such as a platform with walking legs to carry packages. The focus on humanoids could limit functionality, and bringing the uncanny valley to consumers’ front door could be off-putting.

Figure AI shifts into overdrive: Slashing its original timeline, the startup is pushing humanoid robots into homes this year—either a sign of rapid AI progress or a risky bet to stay ahead.

Move to develop AI-powered humanoid robots raises concerns about overextension as the company juggles multiple ambitious projects.

AI dominance in the tech sphere was on parade at CES 2024, pointing to pressure on product developers to integrate the technology. Also in the spotlight: Inclusivity and sustainability as focal points for an industry maturing to meet societal needs, the latest gadgets, and what the show means for marketers.

Walmart ramps up automation to lower fulfillment costs: The retailer is investing in technology to optimize inventory planning and delivery speed.

Google unplugs its robotic arm: Everyday Robots is the latest cost-cutting casualty. The timing is risky given Microsoft’s ChatGPT-robotics research and a potentially robust robotics consumer market ahead.

There’s evidence that automation is coming for our jobs: MIT research shows how automation has reduced workers’ wages over the past 40 years. Expect a future workforce of automation managers.

The pace of automation in retail is increasing. For example, retail drones will expand from nearly 35,000 in 2022 to over 110,000 in 2024, our latest forecast shows. That growth means the industry has the opportunity to improve efficiencies and meet growing consumer demand for better, faster service.

Retailers are increasingly turning toward drones, robots, and automated systems to improve fulfillment and the in-store customer experience (CX).

As a recession looms, climate tech is on solid ground: Researchers say the Inflation Reduction Act will have a decades-long outsized effect on the economy. It could be tech’s lifeline.

Supply chains snafus are easing, but retailers aren’t out of the woods yet: More investment in supply chain management and automation is needed to futureproof operations as climate change disrupts logistics networks.

Google tackles AI’s biggest challenge: Under its Everyday Robots subsidiary, the tech giant is building bots that understand what humans really want. But internet data could steer the project off-course.

On today's episode, we discuss the most interesting thing about Amazon's recent performance, how its ad business is fairing, and why the retail giant bought a robotics company. "In Other News," we talk about why Facebook is moving away from live shopping and what to make of the new Nike Style store. Tune in to the discussion with our analyst Andrew Lipsman.

For the love of bots: Economic uncertainty and continued supply chain angst aren’t stopping the robotics sector from making science fiction a reality. With bots permeating society, ethics battles will follow.

Robot colleagues on the rise: As robots enter more industries, startups are developing systems for the bots to work collaboratively with humans. Economic turbulence will help and hinder the movement.

Beyond just advertising, Alphabet’s tech touches nearly everything. This report looks at 23 of its most important business areas, examining their maturity, disruption of the market, leverage over partners, integration with other products, and five-year outlook.

AI startups target corporate fear: Mounting recession anxiety is infusing accounting AI startups with cash. Long-term investor interest in AI applications will remain diverse, but startups may have to pivot.