LAS VEGAS: CES® 2026 showed no signs of slowing down on day three. In fact, the future feels closer as energy surged across show floors and crowds explored futuristic technologies. Robots impressed attendees, AI companions drew attention, and health tech promised longer, healthier lives. Overall, the day highlighted bold ideas and real-world breakthroughs.
Moreover, high-profile sessions featured senior U.S. government officials, top CMOs, content creators, and investors. Together, they explored how innovation continues to reshape industries and society.
Inside Washington: Tech Policy Takes the Spotlight
One of the most anticipated sessions was Inside Washington. Attendees heard directly from senior U.S. government officials during focused, one-on-one discussions.
Dr. Darío Gil, Under Secretary for Science at the U.S. Department of Energy, shared insights on energy innovation. Meanwhile, William Kimmitt, Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, discussed global trade challenges. In addition, Dr. Ethan Klein, U.S. Chief Technology Officer, offered a look at future tech policy from the White House.
CTA Executive Chair and CEO Gary Shapiro also joined FCC Chair Brendan Carr. Together, they discussed how regulators are responding to rapid changes in the tech landscape.
Advanced Manufacturing Moves Forward
Meanwhile, the Advanced Manufacturing Showcase drew strong interest in LVCC Central Hall. This new CTA partnership with SME highlighted the future of production.
Attendees explored automation systems, advanced materials, and industrial software. As a result, many gained insight into how U.S. manufacturing continues to evolve through technology.
Robotics and Physical AI Take Center Stage
Robotics remained a major highlight at CES 2026. This year, however, the focus shifted toward improving quality of life.
All week, attendees gathered around the latest Atlas humanoid robot from Boston Dynamics. Atlas walked with fluid movement and featured 56 degrees of freedom. It also included fully rotational joints and tactile-sensing hands. Looking ahead, Hyundai Motor Group plans to deploy Atlas in its car plants by 2028.
Smaller innovators also made an impact. Frontier-X unveiled Vex, a mobile robot that follows pets and records video using AI. Additionally, Tombot returned with its robotic puppy designed for companionship and emotional support.
Networking, Mixers, and Celebrations
As the day concluded, CES shifted into celebration mode. The CES Foundry Celebration featured Grammy Award-winning artist and AI inventor will.i.am. He joined Fast Company’s Harry McCracken to discuss inclusive AI.
Afterward, attendees networked at a mixer sponsored by IBM, JobsOhio, Washington DC, Vector, Wesco, Corning, and Strata.
Elsewhere, the Digital Health Mixer at the Venetian connected healthcare innovators. At the same time, the Wireless Mixer in LVCC North Hall brought together leaders in connectivity.
Bonus: Tech Spotted on the Show Floor
CTA’s Brian Comiskey, Senior Director of Innovation and Trends, shared standout products from CES, including:
- Anker Innovations – Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
- Ceragem – MediSpa Pro AI
- Dreame – Pilot 20 AI Intelligent Luxury Hair Dryer
- Samsung – Galaxy Z TriFold
- Primech AI – Hytron Cleaning Robot
Conclusion
From policy discussions shaping the future to humanoid robots redefining possibility, Day 3 of CES 2026 proved that innovation is accelerating. The mix of robotics, AI, manufacturing, and human-centered tech highlighted how close the future truly feels.
With one day remaining, CES continues to show why it remains the world’s most powerful tech event. The future is no longer coming—it is already here, moving, learning, and walking among us.
