Robots at CES 2026: A Glimpse into the Future

CES 2026 showcased a variety of robots, with a significant focus on humanoid designs. Among the highlights were the Unitree G1 robots, which captured attention with a boxing match. Although the fight was not particularly smooth, it demonstrated the robots' stability and advanced capabilities compared to earlier models. EngineAI also made waves with its T800 robot, inspired by the "Real Steel" movie. This robot boasts a high-torque joint module, enabling it to perform martial arts moves and powerful kicks. While the T800 is not yet available in the West, the Unitree G1 is already on the market, making it possible for consumers to own a humanoid robot in 2026.Agibot introduced its A2 Series, full-sized humanoid robots designed for corporate use, such as guiding presentations and showrooms. The X2 Series is geared towards entertainment, research, and education, with robots that can dance at events. The G2 Series, equipped with wheels instead of legs, is tailored for factory environments to conserve battery life. Sharpa unveiled a humanoid robot featuring a human-scale robotic hand. The robot demonstrated tasks like crafting a paper windmill, playing blackjack, and taking photos. Although the movements were deliberate, this technological advancement brings robots closer to performing human tasks efficiently. The hand's design, with 22 active degrees of freedom, allows it to handle tools with near-human precision. The rapid progress in robotics is evident, with companies striving to create robots that can seamlessly integrate into human-made environments. This shift reflects our comfort with human-like machines and the need for robots to adapt to our world.