TL;DR
At CES 2026, attention shifted away from new electric-vehicle reveals toward robotics and AI. Hyundai used its keynote to highlight Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot rather than introducing a new affordable EV or concept car.
What happened
At the world's largest electronics trade show, the usual focus on new electric-vehicle models receded as robotics and artificial intelligence took center stage. One of the globe's largest EV sellers used its CES keynote to present a humanoid robot instead of unveiling a cheaper production model or a futuristic concept car. That keynote prominently featured Boston Dynamics' Atlas, a humanoid platform the audience has previously seen. The choice signaled a shift in what major automakers and tech exhibitors prioritized at CES, where discussions and demonstrations leaned toward autonomous mobility concepts and AI-driven machines rather than fresh consumer EV offerings. Coverage and industry conversation framed the event as a moment when robotaxis and AI developments were more prominent than new car announcements.
Why it matters
- A shift in keynote content suggests automakers are emphasizing robotics and AI as strategic priorities alongside or over immediate EV product launches.
- Investor, media and public attention moving to robotaxis and AI could influence where R&D and marketing resources are allocated.
- Consumers looking for more affordable EV options may see fewer major product announcements at events traditionally important for vehicle reveals.
- Prominent showcases of humanoid robots at a major consumer electronics show signal closer ties between automotive brands and robotics firms.
Key facts
- CES is described as the world's biggest electronics show.
- According to the source excerpt, one of the world's largest EV sellers chose to announce a humanoid robot at CES rather than a new affordable model or a futuristic concept car.
- Hyundai used its CES keynote to highlight Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot.
- The Atlas robot highlighted at the keynote has been shown previously ('one we've seen already').
- The broader theme reported is that robotaxis and AI took a backseat to electric vehicles at CES (i.e., robotaxis and AI were more prominent).
- Source article published on 2026-01-06 and originally reported by The Verge (source URL provided).
What to watch next
- not confirmed in the source: Whether automakers will continue prioritizing robotics and AI over announcing new consumer EV models at major shows.
- not confirmed in the source: How this shift in emphasis will affect timelines and investment in affordable EV development.
- not confirmed in the source: Whether robotaxi pilots or commercial deployments will accelerate following CES demonstrations.
Quick glossary
- CES: An annual global trade show for consumer electronics where companies showcase new products and technologies.
- Humanoid robot: A robot designed to resemble or mimic the human body in form or function.
- Robotaxi: An autonomous vehicle intended to operate as a taxi service without a human driver.
- Keynote: A main presentation at a conference where a company or leader outlines priorities, products or strategic direction.
- Artificial intelligence (AI): Computer systems designed to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as perception, decision-making or language processing.
Reader FAQ
Did Hyundai announce a new electric vehicle at CES 2026?
The source indicates Hyundai did not use its keynote to announce a new affordable model or futuristic concept car; instead it promoted a humanoid robot.
What robot did Hyundai showcase?
Hyundai highlighted Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot during its CES keynote.
Was the Atlas robot a brand-new reveal?
The source notes the Atlas shown is one 'we've seen already,' indicating it was not a first-time reveal.
Does this mean EVs are no longer important to automakers?
not confirmed in the source
It says a lot about the current moment when one of the world's largest EV sellers shows up at the world's biggest electronics show to announce not a new, more…
Sources
- At CES, EVs take a backseat to robotaxis and AI
- Self-driving tech, AI take center stage at CES as …
- At CES 2026, The Real Automotive Story Is Robots …
- Mobility Experts at CES 2026: A Sample Itinerary
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