"Artificial intelligence doesn't always want to optimize your life or steal your job. Sometimes, AI just wants to be your friend. And while robot pets weren't the biggest stars of CES 2026, they've become more than just noise and are signaling how AI is apparently leaving our screens and taking on a physical presence in our lives. To be clear, there's no shortage of purpose-built machines on display in Las Vegas:"
"there's Samsung's voice-controlled refrigerator, Bosch's Alexa Plus-powered AI barista, and smarter robovacs like Narwal's earring-finding Flow 2 or Anker's Eufy S2, which moonlights as an aromatherapy diffuser - all promising to automate the drudgery of daily life. Humanoid robots like LG's CLOiD and SwitchBot's Onero H1 stole much of the spotlight, too, taking that logic a step further by promising more general-purpose helpers around the home - or the factory floor, in the case of Boston Dynamics' Atlas - even if they remain years away from everyday use."
Robot pets and companionship-focused devices at CES 2026 emphasize social and emotional interaction rather than utility. Exhibitors continue to showcase purpose-built automation such as smart refrigerators, Alexa-powered baristas, and multifunctional robovacs that aim to ease household chores. Humanoid robots promise broader assistance for homes and factories but remain years away from everyday use. Companion machines prioritize physical presence, expressivity, and the human desire for connection. The presence of both practical and social robots points to AI moving beyond screens into tactile roles within daily life, raising questions about affordability, privacy, and real-world usefulness.
Read at The Verge
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