Day 2 of CES delivered, of course, with a compelling cross-section blending industrial AI, autonomous systems, global startup collaboration and cultural beats that underscored why CES remains the world’s most influential technology showcase.
Industrial AI Takes Center Stage
Caterpillar made a major move forward with the launch of its Cat AI Assistant, a voice-enabled, conversational interface designed for operators and fleet managers. The assistant allows users to ask natural-language questions and receive real-time insights into machine health, performance and maintenance needs, streamlining decision-making across job sites.
The announcement highlights a broader CES trend exhibiting how conversational AI is no longer limited to consumer devices. It is rapidly becoming a mission-critical layer in industrial and enterprise environments where efficiency, safety and uptime are paramount.
CES Foundry Opens as a Hub for Emerging Tech
CTA President Kinsey Fabrizio officially opened the new CES Foundry, a dedicated destination on the show floor focused on next-generation technologies such as AI, quantum computing and frontier innovation. Featuring immersive content stages, live demonstrations and expanded networking opportunities, the Foundry reinforces CES’s role as both a showcase and a connector for the global innovation ecosystem.
With Thursday marking the final day of CES, attendees were encouraged to explore the Foundry’s programming while the opportunity remains.
AI Goes Beyond Land into Boating and Smart Yards
Brunswick showcased the Sea Ray SLX 360 Outboard, part of its largest CES presence to date. The model reflects the company’s vision for connected, AI-enhanced boating, integrating smart systems and digital controls designed to make time on the water safer, more intuitive and more enjoyable.
Segway continued its evolution beyond personal mobility with the debut of a new lineup of robotic lawn mowers for both residential and commercial environments. The autonomous systems highlight Segway’s growing footprint in robotics and smart outdoor technologies.
AMR Tech Enters the Sports Arena
One of the more unexpected crossovers at CES came from Lumistar, which introduced autonomous mobile robot (AMR) technology for athletic training, including applications in tennis and basketball. The system uses precision movement, AI-driven repetition and real-time performance data to help athletes refine technique, consistency and reaction speed.
For tennis players in particular, the implications are notable: adaptive drills, automated ball delivery and data-backed feedback could bring professional-level training tools into more accessible settings. It’s a clear example of how robotics and AI are beginning to reshape sports performance and player development.
Global Collaboration Becomes the Competitive Edge
As CES 2026 unfolded, the Global Innovation Forum (GIF) held at Caesar’s Palace was a powerful reminder that the future of technology is global by design. Championed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Business Agency (SBA), the Forum convened startups, governments, academia, venture capital and international media to push the conversation on innovation forward.
Delegations from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, Israel, Canada, and France showcased cutting-edge technologies and ecosystem strategies. Their solutions are reinforcing the idea that innovation transcends borders and thrives through collaboration.
“Innovation is the language that unites us—not just tonight, but in the years to come,” said Patrick Baer-Mellinger, Switzerland’s Chief Investment Promotion Officer, likening the Swiss flag’s white cross to a symbol of partnership and shared progress.
Ecosystems Without Borders
Each participating nation outlined its approach to fostering innovation. For example, Switzerland emphasized deep-tech excellence powered by world-class universities and research institutions. Canada highlighted its leadership in AI, fueled by strong government incentives and the work of pioneers such as Yoshua Bengio, Geoffrey Hinton and Richard Sutton. Israel detailed its evolution from “startup nation” to “scale-up nation,” focused on bringing high-impact technologies to global markets.
Across discussions, common priorities emerged: long-term policy support, access to venture capital, and the need for international partnerships to address global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity and rapid digital transformation.
Judging the Next Wave of Global Startups
A central highlight of GIF was its international startup pitch competition, featuring seven startups—one representing each participating country. A panel of 26 judges, including six venture capitalists and 20 members of international media, evaluated the companies on impact, market potential, scalability and storytelling.
Our managing editor, Jon Stone, served on the international media judging panel, assessing not only business fundamentals but also how effectively each startup communicated its broader social and global relevance.
The competition’s top honor went to First Habit, an AI-powered education company from Japan focused on habit formation and personalized learning. The company stood out for applying artificial intelligence to the universal human right of education in a way that is both scalable and human-centered.
An Iconic Night at Voltaire
Day 2 concluded on a high-energy beat (pun intended) as Public Enemy took the stage, presented by Yahoo at Voltaire at The Venetian. The legendary hip-hop group delivered an electrifying performance that blended classic tracks with socially charged messages showing the CES audience that innovation extends beyond technology into culture, music and the power of ideas.
As CES heads into its final stretch, Day 2 reaffirmed what makes the show singular: a convergence of cutting-edge technology, global collaboration and unforgettable experiences—all under one roof.
Coming Up: Best of CES Awards Spotlight
But the innovation doesn’t stop here… After the event wraps, Innovation & Tech Today will spotlight the Best of CES award winners. These technologies and companies rose above in numerous fields of impact and excellence. From breakthrough AI platforms and robotics to standout consumer and sports-tech innovations, the awards offer a snapshot of where the industry is heading next and which ideas are poised to shape the year ahead.
Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the products, platforms and people defining the very best of CES 2026.
