Las Vegas, Nevada – The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicked off with a flurry of innovations this week, drawing thousands of attendees to the Las Vegas Convention Center for the latest in technology. Among the standout announcements, Boston Dynamics unveiled the public debut of its production model Atlas robot, a humanoid machine designed for real-world applications that has long captivated tech enthusiasts. According to CNET reporter Owen Poole, who covered the event live, the Atlas robot's demonstration showcased its advanced mobility and dexterity, marking a significant step toward commercial deployment.
The Atlas robot, first conceptualized over a decade ago, has evolved from a research prototype into what Boston Dynamics describes as a versatile platform for industries like manufacturing and logistics. During the debut, the robot was shown performing complex tasks such as lifting heavy objects and navigating uneven terrain with fluid, human-like movements. 'This is the production model we've been working toward,' said a Boston Dynamics spokesperson in a statement released at the event. 'Atlas is ready to assist in environments where human labor is challenging or unsafe.'
Poole, in his Tech Today segment for CNET, highlighted how the robot's electric actuators enable faster and more efficient operations compared to its hydraulic predecessor. The demonstration, held on the main expo floor, drew crowds who watched as Atlas balanced on one leg while manipulating tools, a feat that underscored its potential for automation in warehouses and beyond. While Boston Dynamics has not yet announced pricing or exact release dates, company officials indicated partnerships with major firms for pilot programs starting later this year.
Shifting gears to mobile technology, Samsung made waves with its announcement of a groundbreaking phone-tablet hybrid device, blending the portability of a smartphone with the expansive screen of a tablet. Unveiled during a packed keynote, the device features a flexible display that unfolds to nearly 10 inches, allowing seamless transitions between modes. Samsung executives touted it as the future of personal computing, with integration of AI-driven features for productivity and entertainment.
'We're redefining how people interact with their devices,' said Samsung Mobile President Koh Dong-jin, according to reports from the event. The hybrid, tentatively named the Galaxy Flex, incorporates Samsung Display's latest OLED technology, offering vibrant colors and high refresh rates even in its compact form. Poole noted in his coverage that the device supports stylus input and multitasking across multiple windows, positioning it as a competitor to Apple's iPad and foldable offerings from competitors like Google.
Contextually, Samsung's move comes amid a competitive landscape where foldable phones have gained traction but faced criticism for durability. The company addressed these concerns by demonstrating the device's IP68 water resistance and reinforced hinges, claiming over 200,000 folds without degradation. Analysts at the show, including those from IDC, predicted that hybrids like this could capture 15% of the premium smartphone market by 2025, driven by demand for versatile gadgets in a post-pandemic work-from-anywhere era.
Not to be outdone in the transportation sector, Lucid Motors revealed what it's calling the 'most luxurious robo-taxi' – an autonomous vehicle concept aimed at revolutionizing urban mobility. The Lucid Air Dream Edition Taxi, as it's dubbed, promises Level 4 autonomy, meaning it can operate without human intervention in most conditions. Showcased in a dedicated pavilion, the vehicle features sumptuous interiors with reclining seats, ambient lighting, and integrated entertainment systems.
Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson described the robo-taxi as 'a sanctuary on wheels,' emphasizing its 500-mile range on a single charge and rapid acceleration capabilities. According to Poole's on-site reporting, the vehicle's AI system, powered by NVIDIA hardware, uses lidar and radar for precise navigation, with plans for fleet deployment in select cities by 2027. The announcement aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Waymo and Cruise expand their autonomous services, though regulatory hurdles remain a key challenge.
While Lucid's vision is ambitious, sources at CES pointed to potential obstacles, including federal approvals from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One expert from the Consumer Technology Association, speaking anonymously, expressed optimism but cautioned that full autonomy might take longer than anticipated due to safety concerns raised in recent incidents involving self-driving cars. Lucid, however, countered with data from test drives, reporting zero disengagements over 10,000 miles in simulated urban environments.
Beyond these headliners, CES buzzed with other innovations that provided context to the evolving tech landscape. Dell's Alienware brand returned to OLED displays with 240Hz screens for gaming laptops, which Poole said he witnessed in action, praising their 'buttery smooth' performance and deep blacks. Acer previewed CES 2026 concepts, including AI-enhanced ultraportables and refined gaming rigs, signaling a push toward thinner, smarter devices.
HP introduced the EliteBoard, a keyboard that integrates an entire PC into its slim chassis, complete with a trackpad and ports for peripherals. 'It's like having your desktop in your bag,' an HP product manager told attendees. Meanwhile, a quirky fidget toy from an indie developer hid haptic feedback tech for stress relief, blending play with subtle innovation.
In robotics, a desktop humanoid from a startup offered a more approachable alternative to Atlas, available in a Wall-E-inspired design for home use. Priced under $500, it's aimed at education and companionship, with voice commands and simple task execution. Poole quipped in his video that it could 'keep your coffee warm while reciting poetry.'
Intel's keynote, condensed into a nine-minute highlight reel, covered advancements in AI chips and quantum computing, with CEO Pat Gelsinger promising 'exponential' performance gains. Sony and Honda jointly announced mobility solutions, including electric vehicles with advanced infotainment, while a startup called Lockin demonstrated an invisible beam to power smart locks wirelessly, eliminating battery replacements.
Samsung Display also showcased OLED concepts for cars and smartphones, featuring bendable panels that curve around dashboards for immersive experiences. These displays, with brightness up to 2,000 nits, could debut in vehicles by 2025, according to company reps.
Looking ahead, CES 2024's revelations suggest a future where robots, hybrid devices, and autonomous transport intertwine to reshape daily life. As Poole wrapped his Tech Today segment, he noted the event's theme of accessibility: 'From factories to streets, these technologies aim to make the extraordinary routine.' Industry watchers anticipate follow-up announcements at Mobile World Congress and beyond, with potential economic impacts including thousands of jobs in AI and manufacturing. For now, the innovations from Las Vegas serve as a glimpse into a more connected, automated world.