TL;DR
CES 2026 featured a wide variety of robots serving as demos and showpieces, from a ping-pong player to humanoid boxers and laundry-folding arms. Some machines are already in limited real-world use, while many remain demonstrators that hint at future commercial directions rather than widespread deployment.
What happened
Visitors to CES encountered an array of robots that illustrated where some robotics companies are directing their work, even if the exhibits did not always reflect immediate commercial readiness. Boston Dynamics unveiled a production-ready version of its humanoid Atlas. On the show floor, Sharpa displayed a full-bodied robot demonstrating a dexterous hand by playing table tennis against a human (the bot trailed 5–9 during one match). EngineAI’s humanoids, branded T800, performed mock boxing routines but mostly shadowboxed, once wandering into the audience and falling over before recovering. Unitree showed dancing robots and has touted a humanoid that can reportedly run up to 11 mph. Galbot demonstrated a convenience-store setup in which a robot fetched a selected item, and the company says similar robots have been used in Chinese pharmacies. Dyna Robotics presented robotic arms folding shirts and cited deployments with hotels, gyms, factories and Monster Laundry in Sacramento; the company also closed a $120 million Series A with investors including Nvidia’s NVentures, Amazon, LG, Salesforce and Samsung. LG displayed a home robot called CLOid, described as charming but not particularly fast.
Why it matters
- Robotic demos at CES reveal companies’ technical priorities—manipulation, humanoid mobility, retail assistance—regardless of immediate market readiness.
- Some systems shown have real-world deployments, indicating early commercial adoption in specific niches like laundry and retail assistance.
- High-profile investments and partnerships suggest major firms see potential in advanced manipulation and service robotics.
- Public demonstrations expose safety and reliability gaps; unpredictable behavior on the floor highlights challenges before broad deployment.
Key facts
- Boston Dynamics unveiled a production-ready debut of its humanoid Atlas at CES.
- Sharpa showcased a full-bodied robot playing table tennis and emphasized its robotic hand; during one match the robot was losing 5–9.
- EngineAI exhibited humanoid robots labeled T800 that shadowboxed, occasionally left the ring, and at least once fell down.
- Unitree presented dancing robots and has announced a humanoid model claimed to run up to 11 mph.
- Galbot staged a convenience-store demo where a robot fetched a chosen item; the company’s website says similar robots have been used in Chinese pharmacies.
- Dyna Robotics demonstrated robotic arms folding shirts and reported partnerships with hotels, gyms, factories and Monster Laundry in Sacramento.
- Dyna closed a $120 million Series A in September with investors including Nvidia’s NVentures, Amazon, LG, Salesforce and Samsung.
- LG showed a home robot named CLOid, characterized as appealing but not fast.
What to watch next
- Whether Boston Dynamics’ Atlas moves from a production-ready demo to broader commercial deployment (not confirmed in the source).
- Expansion of Dyna Robotics’ commercial integrations beyond the partners named and performance at scale (not confirmed in the source).
- Regulatory or business outcomes related to scrutiny of Unitree’s reported links to the Chinese military and how that affects sales (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Humanoid robot: A robot designed with a human-like form or movements, intended to operate in environments built for people.
- Manipulation: Robotic ability to grasp, move and arrange physical objects, often involving precise control of hands or arms.
- Series A: An early venture capital funding round used by startups to scale product development and business operations.
- Production-ready: A development stage indicating hardware or software is prepared for commercial manufacturing or deployment, though timelines vary.
Reader FAQ
Were any of the robots already in real-world use?
Yes—Galbot says similar robots have been deployed in Chinese pharmacies, and Dyna reported integrations with businesses including Monster Laundry.
Did the robots perform reliably during demos?
Performance varied: some demos succeeded (e.g., Dyna folding shirts, Galbot fetching items) while others showed glitches, such as a humanoid falling or wandering off the ring.
Is Unitree connected to the Chinese military?
The source notes Unitree has faced scrutiny over potential ties, but outcomes or specifics are not confirmed in the source.
Are prices and general availability known?
Not confirmed in the source.
CES has always been a robot extravaganza, and this year’s event saw the announcement of a number of important robotics developments, including the new, production-ready debut of Atlas, the humanoid…
Sources
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