AI Bartenders, Pool Cleaners, And Chess Arms: The Sleekest (And Smartest) Robots At CES 2026 - Yanko Design
Briefly

AI Bartenders, Pool Cleaners, And Chess Arms: The Sleekest (And Smartest) Robots At CES 2026 - Yanko Design
"Global Connect solved that problem by concentrating innovation into a four-hour window at a private Las Vegas villa on January 5th (which I only later found out was Mike Tyson's house). iMpact PR built this event for media professionals who've seen enough "revolutionary" prototypes fail to deliver and want extended time with robotics that might actually make it to market. The format matters because robots only prove themselves when you can test, question, and watch them handle unexpected scenarios beyond their ideal conditions."
"What's showing up covers bizarre range. AI bartenders sit alongside exoskeletons designed to reduce knee pressure by 50%. Lawn robots with four-wheel steering share space with chess-playing arms and vacuum cleaners that climb stairs. Some of these machines solve concrete problems like outdoor maintenance or mobility assistance. Others exist for entertainment, companionship, or just because someone thought teaching a robot to play chess would be interesting."
Global Connect concentrated innovation into a four-hour showcase at a private Las Vegas villa, offering intimate, hands-on time with robotics. The event prioritized extended testing and questioning so machines could be evaluated beyond ideal conditions. Exhibits ranged from AI bartenders and exoskeletons designed to reduce knee pressure by 50% to lawn robots with four-wheel steering, chess-playing arms, and stair-climbing vacuum cleaners. iMpact PR and USA Today co-hosted from 1:30pm to 5:30pm with brands that have manufacturing scale, distribution plans, and sufficient backing. Ascentiz demonstrated BodyOS hip and knee modules with 36 Nm and 48 Nm torques and speed assistance up to 28 km/h, reducing leg effort by 35% on inclines.
[
|
]