AI has finally stepped out of the screen. The key keyword of CES 2026 was ‘Physical AI’. AI, which had been limited to chatbots and image generation, has taken on the body of a robot and started moving directly in the real world.
Physical AI refers to a system that combines AI models, computer vision, sensors, edge computing, and actuators to recognize the real world and autonomously judge and act. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang declared that “the ChatGPT moment for Physical AI has arrived” (TechCrunch). The CTA set up a robot-only exhibition hall for the first time at this CES, and 34 humanoid companies participated. Boston Dynamics’ Atlas is actually being deployed at Hyundai Motor’s US electric vehicle plant, performing heavy parts transportation and precision assembly. LG Electronics unveiled its home robot ‘Cloiid’, which directly handles housework, and Doosan Robotics’ AI robot solution ‘Scan&Go’ won the Best of Innovation Award in the AI category at CES 2026 (FINN Partners). In addition to robots, Zoox’s self-driving taxi without a steering wheel was actually operating in Las Vegas, and Roborock introduced a robot vacuum cleaner that climbs stairs. AI robot startups proved market expectations by attracting a total of over $2 billion in investment during CES (S&P Global).
2026 is a turning point when AI first has a ‘body’ and comes to us. It is expected to spread not only to manufacturing but also to all areas of home, logistics, and service. However, Morgan Stanley warns of the difficulty of developing physical AI models, manufacturing barriers, and the possibility of startup consolidation, so it is necessary to calmly monitor whether it is overheating. Still, the direction is clear. AI no longer stays in software.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is Physical AI?
A: It is a system that combines AI models with sensors, vision, and actuators to recognize the real world and act autonomously. Unlike AI that stays on the screen like a chatbot, it moves physically like a robot or self-driving car.
Q: Which robot received the most attention at CES 2026?
A: Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot ‘Atlas’ is a prime example. It is actually being deployed in Hyundai Motor factories to transport parts and assist in assembly work.
Q: What is the impact of Physical AI on daily life?
A: Robots are expected to be deployed in dangerous industrial sites, home robots that help with housework will be distributed in homes, and autonomous driving delivery and taxi services will be expanded.