The Future in Focus: Cutting-Edge AI and Robotics Showcased at CES 2024
Wade Passey
1/20/2024
Attending a CES event was a long overdue experience on my bucket list that I finally had the opportunity to cross off. It’s the only convention where you can see keynotes from some of the most influential Tech Industry leaders while checking out voice-commanded toilets between sessions. Intelligence was infused into every gadget in this landscape, though not always with a clear purpose.
The booths were as if the entire tech world had synchronized their watches to the tune of AI. From the moment you stepped onto the show floor, the buzz around Artificial Intelligence was inescapable, integrated into every conceivable gadget and product. Amidst a sea of innovation, one couldn't help but notice a curious trend: the ubiquitous presence of AI, not just in groundbreaking tech but also in everyday items like vacuum cleaners and coffee makers.
This phenomenon presented a dichotomy of technological advancement. On one hand, there were genuinely groundbreaking applications of AI, offering solutions to complex problems and enhancing user experiences in ways previously unimagined. On the other, a wave of gadgets emerged, brandishing the 'AI-enabled' tag, seemingly more for the buzzword's allure than for any meaningful functionality. It became clear that discerning the genuinely transformative innovations from the gimmicky add-ons would be vital in understanding the future trajectory of technology. This reflects our times in the AI gold rush – a blend of substance and spectacle, where the line between revolutionary and superfluous is as thin as the newest smart display.
Below, I unpack notable advancements in two prominent industries, AI and Robotics, amidst a diverse spectrum of topics covered at CES, including 5G, Augmented & Virtual Reality, Cryptocurrency, Digital Health, Gaming, Smart Home, Sustainability, Vehicle Technology, and many more topics.
The Rise of On-Device AI: Revolutionizing Personalized Tech
A clear and exciting pattern surfaced through CES keynotes, especially prominent in tech titans like Intel, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and AMD presentations. The buzz was about the rise of on-device AI, an innovative shift poised to fundamentally alter how we interact with our gadgets.
Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, positioned his company at the forefront of this shift, asserting, "We're the driving force behind it." Intel's strategy is all about weaving AI into the fabric of daily-use devices. They concentrate on 'inferencing workloads', which are your everyday AI tasks such as voice recognition and image analysis. These tasks, traditionally reliant on powerful data centers, are being re-engineered to run efficiently on standard CPUs in our phones and laptops. The difference here is in bypassing the need for specialized hardware, making AI more accessible and responsive for the everyday user. Gelsinger did concede, though, that when it comes to developing complex AI models, the heavy lifting still belongs in the realm of specialized tech firms and dedicated research labs.
Similarly, NVIDIA is making strides into AI-powered PCs, signifying a broadening horizon for AI in consumer tech. Qualcomm, not to be left behind, detailed a vision where on-device AI merges with cloud-based services like ChatGPT. Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm's CEO, talked about a hybrid model where the cloud's vast reservoir of knowledge works hand-in-hand with the on-device AI's ability to process and personalize in real-time. It's like having a super-smart assistant that taps into a world of information and knows you personally.
This hybrid model is a game-changer. The cloud continues to be a vast, ever-expanding library of data, while on-device AI acts as a personal interpreter, molding that data to your individual preferences and needs. Imagine a future where your smartphone doesn't just respond to your questions but anticipates them, learning from your habits and preferences. This advancement transcends mere enhancements in personal devices; it heralds a revolutionary shift across various sectors, notably in automotive. Here, vehicles transform from simple modes of transport into dynamic, intelligent companions. This evolution is exemplified in Honda's latest "Zero series" philosophy, which embraces the principles of being "Thin, Light, and Wise." Cristiano Amon deepened this perspective, suggesting that vehicles represent a largely untapped domain of computing potential. He envisions a future where consumer electronics seamlessly integrate into our daily lives, evolving intuitively to meet our routine needs.
"We've been talking about on-device AI before it was popular, and our job was to create a computing engine that is going to make that technology to run pervasively."
- Cristiano Amon, CEO of Qualcomm
The essence of on-device AI is more than just a tech upgrade. It foreshadows a future in which AI becomes an intimate, integral part of our digital world, seamlessly integrated into the devices we rely on daily. This movement marks the beginning of a new chapter in personal computing, where AI is no longer a remote, cloud-dependent concept but a close, personal ally in our digital journey.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger interviewed by Kristina Partsinevelos from CNBC
Humanoid Robotics: A Glimpse into the Future
Transitioning from the advancements in on-device AI to the world of robotics, CES unveiled a captivating display of human-like robots and intelligent machines. Prominently, Unitree's H1 humanoid robot emerged as a standout, fundamentally shifting my perspective on such technologies. Prior to CES, my view of humanoid robots, such as Tesla's Optimus and Boston Dynamics' Atlas, was tinged with skepticism, perceiving them more as sensationalist concepts than tangible realities. This perception was rooted in the detachment felt when viewing these innovations through a screen. However, encountering the Unitree H1 in person at CES marked a pivotal moment for me. Observing the H1 robot navigating the environment with a fluid, lifelike grace, I realized the tangible progress made in robotics. This experience transcended beyond just seeing; it was about feeling the presence of an advanced robotic entity moving autonomously in a shared space. Priced under $90,000 and set to commence deliveries in the first quarter of 2024, the H1 exemplifies a significant leap towards democratizing sophisticated robotics for research and prospective real-world applications. Its presence at CES was not just a showcase but a testament to the narrowing gap between science fiction and functional technology, although the definitive applications of such robots remain an open field for exploration.
Among the plethora of innovations presented, there were a few that stood out as my top 10 picks, each demonstrating the vast potential and diversity of robotics in our daily lives. These selections ranged from consumer-friendly gadgets designed to simplify everyday tasks to more sophisticated robotic solutions tackling complex challenges across various industries. The standout, Unitree's H1 humanoid robot, was just the beginning of a list that encapsulated the essence of CES: innovative, practical, and forward-thinking. Each item on my top 10 list not only highlighted the advancements in robotic technology but also emphasized how these innovations are becoming increasingly integrated into our daily routines, changing the way we interact with technology.
news.samsung.com
Lgnewsroom.com
Richtechrobotics.com
8. The World's Most Powerful AI Supercomputer by Nvidia
NVIDIA CEO Mr. Jensen Huang Signed GIGABYTE G593-SD0 Server
10. Honorable Mention: Walmart drone delivery
Walmart's keynote, led by CEO Doug McMillion, with a surprise appearance by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, offered a glimpse into the retail giant's innovative strides integrating AI into its services. Emphasizing the value of time and money for their customers, Walmart showcased its foray into AI-enhanced digital shopping experiences. The integration of AI in Walmart's search function, using a blend of their proprietary data and Microsoft Azure's OpenAI Service, promises a more intuitive and personalized shopping experience for users.
Doug McMillion and Satya Nadella conversation about AI
Moreover, Walmart announced the launch of drone delivery services in Dallas, a leap forward in efficient and futuristic product delivery. The company's push into AI doesn't stop at logistics; they're also incorporating these technologies into customer-facing applications, like an enhanced version of their shopping app, further streamlining the retail experience. This demonstration of AI's potential in retail illustrates Walmart's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation in the consumer market.
Prathibha Rajashekhar announcing drone delivery services
These innovations reflect a transformative era in technology, where AI and robotics are increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, reshaping interactions and enhancing efficiency and convenience. CES 2024 stands as a testament to these evolving technological landscapes.
They are not just tools or novelties but are evolving into integral, functional, and interactive elements of our daily lives, reshaping our interactions with technology in the most familiar settings. CES 2024 has set the stage for a transformative era in technology, where AI's integration into devices and the emergence of advanced robotics redefine our daily experiences.
Watch recorded keynotes here:
Qualcomm and Nasdaq
Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon and FOX Business Network’s Liz Claman sit down for a CES keynote conversation highlighting how we will interact with our devices in the AI age. Nasdaq Chair Adena Friedman followed this for a CES keynote conversation discussing how the financial industry is leveraging technology to solve major societal issues.
Walmart and Microsoft
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon will share Walmart’s vision to design and build technology that will usher in the next generation of retail.
Intel, CNBC Nasdaq, Microsoft, and Elevance Health
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger sat down for a keynote conversation discussing the critical roles that silicon and software play in making AI more accessible. Followed by Elevance Health president and CEO Gail Boudreaux, discussing the company’s use of technology to make healthcare more proactive, predictive, and personalized.
Siemens
Siemens CEO Dr. Roland Busch showcased technology enabling leading brands to improve how we live, work, move, and make.