[CES 2026] "Please Step Aside, the Robot Is Passing"... CES Opens with a Showcase of Cutting-Edge Technology

"Please make way. Please step aside."

On the 6th (local time), in front of the Qualcomm booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), the staff's call rang out above the noise of the exhibition hall, prompting visitors to move to either side of the aisle. Down the center, where the crowd had parted, the humanoid robot 'Vinmotion' walked out. The robot leaned its upper body back and waved to the crowd. Cheers erupted, and phones and cameras shot up into the air in unison. Even before any exhibition explanations, the appearance of the robot captured everyone's attention.

On the opening day of the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition, CES 2026, on the 6th (local time), visitors are watching the humanoid robot 'Vinmotion' at the Qualcomm exhibition hall in the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in the United States. Photo by Yeongju Jeon

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At the venue, not only large humanoids but also robots of entirely different sizes drew attention. The 38-centimeter-tall miniature humanoid, which became a hot topic after being unveiled at CES 2026, is a household robot presented by Chinese startup Zeroth Robotics. When the palm-sized robot turned its head and made eye contact from atop a desk, visitors naturally leaned in closer. Equipped with a camera and artificial intelligence, it recognizes faces, engages in simple conversations, and serves as an 'AI butler' by reminding users to take their medication or informing them of schedules.

On the 6th (local time), an AI-based robot was demonstrated at the Nvidia showcase event held at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. Photo by Park Junyi

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While scenes featuring robots continued throughout the exhibition hall, the main aisle in front of the LG Electronics booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center, where CES 2026 officially opened that day, was packed with people. Visitors stood with their backs to the entrance, repeatedly checking the time as they waited for the booth to open. When an announcement said, "Four minutes left," cheers broke out near the entrance and the crowd pressed forward. Even before the opening, influencer-like visitors were seen filming at various spots by the entrance. As soon as the doors opened on the hour, visitors surged into the exhibition hall like a tidal wave.

The star of this exhibition was clearly the humanoid robot. At CES 2026, LG Electronics debuted its home robot 'CLOiD.' Equipped with two arms and five fingers just like a human, CLOiD guided visitors as it moved along the exhibition hall aisles. Whenever the robot moved, people naturally paused and stepped aside. When its sensors detected a person, CLOiD immediately stopped, and when the path cleared, it resumed moving. Throughout the exhibition, whenever the robot stopped, people also halted. Even as explanations continued, attention was focused less on the products and more on the robot's fingertips and movements.

On the 6th (local time), the delivery robot 'Dilligent' is assisting visitors with entry at the Nvidia showcase venue inside the Fontainebleau Hotel, where 'CES 2026' is being held. Photo by Park Joon.

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Major Korean companies also placed humanoids and artificial intelligence at the forefront. Samsung Electronics installed a standalone exhibition hall at the Wynn Hotel near the LVCC, introducing interactive AI companions and AI-powered home appliances for shared household chores. Hyundai Motor Group unveiled a technology demonstration model of its humanoid robot 'Atlas,' entering the robotics competition with demonstrations of freely moving joints.

With participating companies at CES 2026 putting artificial intelligence and robotics front and center, Tae Moon Roh, President & CEO (Head of DX Division) of Samsung Electronics, explained the company's robotics strategy in response to questions about why Samsung was not visible in the 'physical AI' conversation. At a press conference held in Las Vegas on the previous day, President Roh said, "Samsung Electronics operates multiple manufacturing and production hubs, and automation is the top priority within those sites. We are calmly preparing to enter both the B2B and B2C markets." He added that the company also plans to accelerate the introduction of industrial robots by utilizing both domestic and overseas production bases.

CES 2026 Opening

(Las Vegas=Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Sungmin = On the opening day of the world's largest IT and electronics exhibition, CES 2026, the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) in Nevada, USA, was bustling with crowds on the 6th (local time). 2026.1.7 [Joint Coverage]

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The impact of humanoid expansion on the components industry also became tangible at CES. Deokhyun Jang, President & CEO of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, announced that the company's plant in Mexico will begin operations in the second half of this year to mass-produce camera modules for humanoids. After the opening ceremony, meeting with reporters following a tour of the Samsung Electronics exclusive exhibition hall at the Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas, President Jang revealed that Samsung Electro-Mechanics recently invested in an actuator company specializing in humanoids and is considering entering the related market. Samsung Electro-Mechanics anticipates a rapid increase in demand for camera modules and drive system components as humanoid adoption spreads.

At the exhibitions of global companies, robots and automation also took center stage. Chinese exhibitors, in particular, stood out for the scale and spatial design of their booths. Hisense presented an exhibition that faithfully recreated actual living spaces such as bedrooms, kitchens, and living rooms. In addition to the home space display, the company concentrated on HVAC installations, offering heating, cooling, and ventilation as a unified intelligent climate control solution. By leveraging artificial intelligence, their climate control technology automatically adjusts based on indoor air quality and living patterns, introducing both residential and commercial systems together.

The TCL booth drew attention with its sheer size. The main focus of the exhibition was on automotive displays. Large displays, instrument panel panels, and a mock-up vehicle equipped with rollable displays were prominently featured, highlighting the use of screens inside car interiors. The strategy connecting home and vehicle through display technology was evident. Dreame, known for its cleaning robots, expanded its domain outdoors. In the exhibition hall, a robot cleaning the pool floor and walls was demonstrated moving underwater, directly showcasing its capability to manage spaces beyond the home and into outdoor areas.

This year's CES, held under the theme "The Era of Innovators," will run until the 9th. On opening day, Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, Park Ji-won, Vice Chairman of Doosan Group (Chairman of Doosan Enerbility), Lee Seokhee, President & CEO of SK On, Deokhyun Jang, President & CEO of Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and Tae Moon Roh, President & CEO of Samsung Electronics, were among those who visited key exhibition halls.

That day, Euisun Chung, Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, visited the Samsung Electronics exclusive exhibition hall at the Wynn Hotel, where he met Tae Moon Roh, Head of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. Together, they viewed the 130-inch Micro RGB TV, AI-powered home appliances, and robotic vacuum cleaners. While listening to explanations about the driving performance and suction power of the robotic vacuum, Chung exchanged opinions with Jaehun Jang, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Group, who accompanied him, and then said to Roh, "How about a collaboration with us?"-suggesting the possibility of future partnership.

Later, Chairman Chung attended the NVIDIA showcase at the Fontainebleau Hotel, where he observed autonomous driving AI platforms and in-vehicle AI technology, and held a private meeting with Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA. When NVIDIA's autonomous driving AI platform 'AlphaMayo' was introduced, Chairman Chung asked several questions, and Vice Chairman Jang commented, "All possibilities are open," indicating openness to future collaboration.

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