Review of the Las Vegas trade fair highlights technological solutions to real societal challenges

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas once again underscored its status as the world’s leading trade fair for future technologies. This year’s event extended well beyond classic consumer electronics, placing a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence-driven applications in the fields of security, resilience, education and networked infrastructures. A significant number of award-winning innovations addressed concrete societal challenges, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to combining technological performance with measurable social value.

Education, skills development and AI as a learning tool

In the education sector, Robolink was named a CES 2026 Honoree in the EdTech category. With its programmable educational drone system CoDrone EDU+, the company targets students in grades 6 to 12, combining STEM education and vocational training with hands-on introductions to artificial intelligence. Students can program the drones using Blockly or Python while working with gyroscopes, accelerometers, infrared sensors and dual cameras. Modular payload attachments enable realistic simulations of applications ranging from emergency response to media production.

The platform is supported by a free, standards-aligned curriculum developed by educators and is used both in classrooms and in national drone competitions. In this way, Robolink bridges the gap between theoretical instruction and applied technology, promoting digital skills development in a practical learning environment.

Security technologies for buildings and private living spaces

A central theme at CES 2026 was the continued advancement of intelligent security solutions for residential and commercial environments. Numerous award-winning products focused on fire prevention and hazard detection within smart home ecosystems. HANSUNST presented an AI-powered fire detector capable of distinguishing between harmless, human-generated flames and genuine fire incidents. By combining multi-sensor fusion, machine learning and edge computing, the system significantly reduces false alarms while detecting real hazards within seconds.

Sonic Fire Tech introduced an alternative approach with its waterless, acoustic fire suppression system designed specifically to protect residential buildings from wildfires. Low-frequency sound waves neutralise dangerous embers before ignition, addressing one of the leading causes of structural loss in fire-prone regions.

Innovation was also evident in access control and home security. Lockin Technology received recognition for an AI-enabled smart lock that integrates biometric authentication methods, including palm vein and fingerprint recognition, with Matter compatibility, dual touchscreens and assistive safety functions. Hatch presented Doma, a holistic smart door system that combines access security, environmental monitoring and context-aware responses within a single integrated solution.

Disaster management, public safety and human security

The increasing importance of resilience and disaster preparedness was reflected in numerous CES honourees. IIST Co., Ltd. introduced Argus-D, an AI-based CCTV system designed to detect forest fires, building collapses and earthquakes. The solution combines visual intelligence with multimodal physical sensors and is capable of analysing seismic P- and S-waves to determine the direction and distance of an epicentre.

Smart E&C showcased an AI-supported early warning system for landslides, using tension sensors embedded in infrastructure and long-range wireless communication to trigger timely alerts and evacuation measures. In the field of autonomous emergency response, Widemount Dynamics attracted attention with its Smart Firefighting Robot, which navigates independently through smoke-filled environments, classifies combustible materials in real time and automatically selects the most effective extinguishing agent.

SOLVIT System addressed rescue operations in radio-shadow and hard-to-reach areas with a drone-based radio relay solution that significantly reduces search areas, accelerates rescue operations and improves success rates. Special emphasis was also placed on protecting sensitive public spaces. Uniuni Corp. presented RestroomGuard Savvy, a camera-free AI security system that relies on depth sensing, acoustic detection and air-quality analysis. All data processing is performed locally, ensuring privacy protection while enhancing safety and public acceptance.

Mobility, industry and networked systems

CES 2026 also highlighted the growing convergence of artificial intelligence, sensor technology and connectivity across mobility and infrastructure sectors. Oshkosh Corporation was recognised for its Striker Volterra electric-hybrid airport rescue and firefighting vehicle, which combines zero-emission operation in terminal areas with faster acceleration and full compliance with international safety standards.

In public transport, oToBrite introduced SafeZone, a vision-based AI system designed to prevent injuries at vehicle doors by detecting passengers and belongings in real time. Other notable innovations included AI-powered conferencing systems such as the OSO PanoCore 360 Meeting Camera, cloud-based drone design platforms from Everysim, and satellite-enabled emergency communication for wearables developed by Skylo Technologies.

Across these diverse applications, a common theme emerged: complex technologies are increasingly being deployed in a user-centric, scalable and operationally practical manner.

Conclusion

A review of CES 2026 makes clear that the global technology sector is shifting its focus from isolated end devices toward integrated, AI-supported systems. Security, education, sustainability and resilience formed the core of many of the most prominent innovations. The award-winning solutions demonstrate how artificial intelligence, sensor fusion and edge computing can help mitigate real-world risks, accelerate decision-making processes and generate tangible societal benefits. In doing so, CES once again confirmed its role not only as a mirror of technological trends, but also as a platform for future-oriented solutions to global challenges.

Outlook: CES remains a driving force – new trade fair date announced for 2027

Looking beyond CES 2026, it is evident that the event will continue to strengthen its role as a strategic platform for technology-driven markets. Artificial intelligence is increasingly evolving from an enabler of individual functions into a foundational infrastructure for applications in security, education, mobility and industry. In the coming years, topics such as trustworthy AI, regulatory compliance, edge intelligence, resilience of critical infrastructures and the close integration of hardware, software and services are expected to gain further prominence.

CES therefore remains not only a showcase of technical feasibility, but also a key indicator for investment decisions, partnerships and policy discussions surrounding future technologies. Solutions with clearly identifiable social benefits, particularly in the areas of human security, climate adaptation and workforce development, are likely to grow in relevance.

The next edition of the trade fair is already scheduled. CES 2027 will take place in Las Vegas from 6 to 9 January 2027, once again serving as an international benchmark for technologies successfully transitioning from innovation to sustainable, real-world application.