What The Tech: The Consumer Electronics Show begins in Las Vegas
BY JAMEY TUCKER, CONSUMER TECHNOLOGY REPORTER
The week at CES always starts with CES Unveiled, the event where the most unusual ideas
show up first. It’s where companies test reactions, show off prototypes, and sometimes
introduce products that make you stop mid aisle and ask a very important question. Why does
this exist?
That’s usually my cue to stop, ask questions, and figure out why anyone should care.
One of the most talked about gadgets on day one was the first ultrasonic chef’s knife designed
for home cooks. Inside the handle are ceramic crystals that direct ultrasonic energy into the
blade. Press a button, and the knife vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency, reducing resistance as it
cuts. The result is cleaner, smoother slicing with less pressure. It’s one of those tools that
sounds like a gimmick until you see it glide through food.
Another crowd favorite was a device aimed at anyone who cuts hair at home. You choose a
haircut or fade inside an app, then use a device called Glyde. As you move it along the head, a
guide dot appears and automatically adjusts the cutting line. If you can follow the dot, you can
cut a consistent fade without guessing or uneven lines.
Of course, no CES would be complete without robots. Some are novelty, including robots that
play chess just for fun. Others are designed to be genuinely helpful. The Nosh robot lets you
load ingredients, choose a recipe, and then handles the cooking process for you. It measures,
stirs, heats, and times everything automatically, aiming to make home cooked meals easier for
people short on time or confidence in the kitchen.
Pet tech was everywhere this year too. AI Tails is an automatic pet feeder equipped with
cameras and sensors. When a cat approaches, the system performs facial analysis and
behavior tracking to spot potential signs of pain or discomfort. The goal is early detection of
health issues, long before a problem becomes obvious.
Some of the most powerful tech stories at CES aren’t about convenience at all, but about care.
One of the most emotional products on display was the Tombot robotic dog, Jennie. The robot
was created after the founder’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and had to give up her
real dog.
Tombot Jennie is designed to help treat the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia
and reduce reliance on certain medications. The robot responds to its name, wags its tail, reacts
to touch, and even nuzzles when held. The movements and responses are surprisingly lifelike,
and for many patients, the comfort is very real.
As CES 2026 gets underway, two major trends are already clear. Robots aren’t just meant to be
impressive anymore. They’re meant to be useful. And more technology is being designed to
help us live longer, healthier, and more comfortably.
We’ll be looking for those gadgets all week and bringing them to you right here from Las Vegas.
