It is impossible to review CES 2025, the annual tech extravaganza in Las Vegas, without mentioning AI, especially with every major company at the event touting their AI offering. While artificial intelligence remained the undisputed star, the event witnessed a shift in focus beyond the hype of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). This year, AI agents and physical AI emerged as key themes, demonstrating how this transformative technology is poised to reshape our homes, workplaces, and the world around us.
The rise of AI agents
One of the most prominent trends at CES 2025 was the increasing prominence of AI agents. These intelligent entities, whether software-based or embodied in robots, are designed to autonomously perform tasks, make decisions, and interact with their environment. Leveraging the power of Generative AI, these agents can learn, adapt, and even anticipate user needs.
- Smart homes evolve: Companies like Samsung, with its "Screens Everywhere" initiative, and LG, with its focus on "affectionate intelligence", are integrating AI agents into their smart home ecosystems. These agents can control lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems, while also learning user preferences to personalise the home environment.
- Provactive assistance: Beyond automation, AI agents are poised to become proactive assistants, anticipating needs and providing personalised recommendations. Imagine an AI-powered kitchen that analyses your dietary preferences, suggests recipes, and even orders groceries based on your needs.
Physical AI: Bringing AI into the real world
While AI has made significant strides in the digital realm, CES 2025 highlighted the growing importance of physical AI. This involves applying AI principles to control and interact with the physical world, from robotics and automation to enhancing the capabilities of everyday devices.
- Robotics revolution: Advancements in robotics were on full display, with companies showcasing robots capable of complex tasks, from assisting with household chores to performing intricate surgeries. Generative AI plays a crucial role in enabling robots to perceive their surroundings, make real-time decisions, and interact more naturally with humans.
- AI-powered devices: Everyday devices are becoming increasingly intelligent, thanks to the integration of AI. From smart appliances to autonomous vehicles, AI is enhancing functionality, improving efficiency, and creating more personalised user experiences.
Beyond AI: Redefining the tech landscape
While AI dominated the conversation, CES 2025 also showcased other significant trends:
- The servitization of technology: Companies are increasingly moving beyond selling products to offering AI-powered services. This shift is evident in the rise of subscription models for smart home services, personalised fitness programmes, and on-demand AI assistance.
- Redefining form factors: The event witnessed a wave of innovation in product design, with companies pushing the boundaries of traditional form factors.
- The TV wars intensify: LG, with its OLED evo 83G5 securing the Best of Innovation Award in the Video Display category, is vying to maintain its market dominance with a 46% share in 2024. Samsung is challenging with innovative displays like HoloDisplay and the MICRO LED Beauty Mirror.
- Redefining computing portability: Lenovo showcased its ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable AI PC, demonstrating the potential for flexible and adaptable computing devices. Lightweight laptops like the Asus Zenbook A14 are catering to the demands of mobile professionals, driving the overall laptop market towards further growth.
- The rise of AI-powered ecosystems: Companies are vying for dominance in the AI-powered ecosystem, seeking to create interconnected networks of devices and services that seamlessly integrate into users’ lives.
- Expanding wearables: While heavyweights like LG and Samsung dominate major categories, start-ups are showcasing their innovation. Zhuhai Mojie Technology Co Ltd impressed with its lightweight AR+AI glasses, demonstrating advancements in wearable technology
Conclusion
CES 2025 provided a glimpse into the future of technology, where AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an integral part of our daily lives. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications that transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us.
While challenges remain, such as ensuring ethical AI development and addressing privacy concerns, the potential benefits of AI are immense, promising a future where technology truly enhances our lives.
For further insight into what you can expect from the appliances industry, read our report, Five Appliances Trends to Watch in 2025.