CES 2026 Highlights
Every January, the tech world descends on Las Vegas for CES, the massive trade show where companies unveil their latest innovations in consumer electronics. It’s where we get our first look at the gadgets, technologies, and design trends that will shape the coming year.
For industrial designers like us at Beyond Design, CES is essential research. Staying up-to-date with the latest materials, interfaces, and consumer expectations enables us to create products that feel current and competitive. Here are ten of our favorite innovations from CES 2026.
NO. 1 – Roborock Saros Rover Vacuum
Roborock’s legged vacuum transcends wheeled robotics, navigating stairs and obstacles with impressive stability. The hybrid wheel-leg design tackles multi-level homes while actually cleaning stairs, solving critical limitations in current robotic vacuums. Roborock demonstrated the product’s superb balance by bombarding it with tennis balls and having it readjust itself in real-time. Though pricing and release dates remain unannounced, the engineering precision signals substantial R&D commitment. If commercialized successfully, this could provide a step up in the autonomous home cleaning category.
NO. 2 – LEGO Smart Brick
LEGO calls this its biggest innovation since minifigures arrived. The 2×4 Smart Brick embeds computing power, speakers, LEDs, and motion sensors into the classic form factor, enabling interactive play experiences. USB-C charging and automatic sleep mode show thoughtful power management. These bricks communicate with each other and respond to physical gestures, bridging digital and tactile play. This represents LEGO’s strategic move into connected toys while maintaining their signature building system compatibility and presumably, their legendary foot-pain capabilities.
NO. 3 – Segway Navimow
Segway’s autonomous lawnmower line eliminates traditional setup pain points with wireless, perimeter-free operation. The “drop and mow” simplicity, paired with 1cm object detection, showcases thoughtful UX design. Three-wheel drive models tackle challenging terrain while the sporty aesthetic in sleek and bright colorways appeals to design-conscious consumers. At $999-$2999, the range addresses multiple market segments. This represents a significant leap in making robotic lawn care accessible and visually appealing for residential users.
NO. 4 – RheoFit A1
The world’s first robotic massage roller automates muscle recovery with AI-powered, hands-free operation. Users lie on the device while it autonomously navigates their body, controlled via a companion app. Body scanning capabilities enable personalized massage programs tailored to individual needs. Priced at $449 in black, the RheoFit A1 addresses the growing at-home wellness market. The automated movement eliminates the physical effort required with traditional foam rollers, though questions remain about effectiveness compared to manual techniques and professional massage therapy.
NO. 5 – Asus ROG Zephyrus Duo
ASUS pushes boundaries with dual 16″ OLED touchscreens in vertical format. The magnetic wireless keyboard and CNC’d aluminum construction balance flexibility with durability. Adaptable screen orientation enables diverse workflows from gaming to collaborative productivity. The extra-tall form factor challenges traditional ergonomics but opens possibilities for immersive computing and in-person screen-sharing scenarios.
NO. 6 – Agibot
Chinese robotics company AgiBot showcased fluid, expressive humanoid robots at CES 2026. Standing 5’7” and weighing 121 pounds with a two-hour runtime, these robots demonstrate impressive motion through walking and dancing. Already mass-produced with 5,000 units shipped, AgiBot’s three-model lineup targets entertainment, research, and education. Their silky movement quality distinguishes them in a crowded humanoid field, signaling the accelerating commercialization of humanoid robotics.
NO. 7 – Meta EMG Wristband
Meta’s EMG wristband reimagines device interaction through gesture controls. Pinching and swiping replace physical touch. Demonstrated with Garmin for hands-free vehicle operation, the technology extends across smart home devices, Ray-Ban Smart Glasses, and IoT ecosystems. Beyond convenience, it unlocks accessibility applications while reducing distracted interaction. This represents Meta’s strategic push toward alternative input methods, potentially reshaping how we interface with connected technology.
NO. 8 – Samsung Music Studio 5
Samsung reimagines speakers with sculptural circular forms featuring music note-inspired dots. The Studio 5 includes a 4” woofer, dual tweeters, and a built-in waveguide. AI Dynamic Bass automatically adjusts to room acoustics. These Wi-Fi speakers integrate with Samsung’s ecosystem while prioritizing aesthetic harmony with interiors. This design-forward strategy positions them as décor elements first, reflecting demand for technology that complements living spaces.
NO. 9 – Bird Buddy 2
This solar-powered smart birdfeeder identifies birds through song recognition and HD cameras. It generates daily digital “postcards” summarizing visitors with real-time app notifications for new arrivals. Available in standard ($199) and mini ($129) versions, Bird Buddy 2 transforms birdwatching into an engaging digital experience. Renewable power, AI identification, and thoughtful notifications create an educational tool deepening nature connections.
NO. 10 – Fraimic Smart E Ink Canvas
Fraimic merges AI art generation with e-ink technology for a screenless digital canvas. Voice prompts generate 200 DPI artwork instantly inside the cordless canvas, mimicking traditional media without backlight glare. Available in 14”x18” ($399) and 24”x36” ($999) sizes, it targets home decor. However, the 100-generation annual limit seems like a restrictive usage cap for AI art aficionados.
Thank you for reading our recap of the standout products from CES 2026! These innovations highlight exciting directions in design, technology, and user experience. We look forward to seeing these new products launch and incorporating these learnings into our upcoming work.
For more information, contact info@startbeyond.com or explore our website.
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