Las Vegas recently buzzed with excitement at the biggest tech show of the year. I saw humanoid robots waving to crowds and even met a lively four-legged robot! CES showcases the latest tech, and this year was no different with innovations from playing chess to performing surgeries.
CES is famous for its dazzling displays, but not all the tech is ready for prime time. Some highlights, like flying cars, remain just dreams. Yet, companies like Nvidia, Intel, and Amazon are betting big on the future, showing off their latest creations.
AI was the star of the show. From robots designed to work in factories to voice-activated refrigerators, the conference felt like a futuristic bubble, isolating itself from the skepticism surrounding AI.
When tech leaders were asked about potential concerns over an “AI bubble,” responses varied. Some said their companies were not involved, while others were optimistic and focused on creating practical AI-driven products. Panos Panay from Amazon expressed confidence, saying, “We’re just at the beginning of what’s possible.”
Recent reports show that tech investments are skyrocketing. In 2025, over $61 billion was spent on data centers alone due to the increasing demand for AI. Goldman Sachs estimates that AI companies might invest over $500 billion this year, revealing that this AI boom is far more significant than the dot-com bubble.
Concerns focus on data centers designed for heavy AI tasks that demand more power than what most devices can handle. Nvidia, a major player, announced its latest computing platform will be ready soon, aiming to address these demands.
Executives from chipmakers like Qualcomm and Intel talked about improving AI tasks. Qualcomm is expanding into data centers, though it’s still a small part of its business. They believe the bubble chatter doesn’t affect their operations significantly. Intel is also focused on products that directly benefit consumers, opting for steady growth over risky investments.
At CES, many companies demonstrated humanoid robots, a sign of where tech is heading. Boston Dynamics unveiled Atlas, a robot tailored for various tasks. Aya Durbin from Boston Dynamics explained that the interest in humanoid robots stems from their versatility in different applications.
Beyond robots, companies are exploring personal tech that uses AI. At CES, innovative devices like AI jewelry from Nirva can record conversations and offer insights into users’ lives, but they also raise privacy concerns.
Overall, there’s a consensus among industry leaders: AI is integral to our future. Even those who acknowledge a bubble believe it will be an ongoing part of our everyday lives. As Pete Erickson, CEO of Modev, said, “I don’t think it’s going anywhere.”
