> At a Glance
> – Nvidia unveils “physical AI,” Cosmos model, and Vera Rubin superchip platform
> – AMD launches Ryzen AI processors and Ryzen 7 9850X3D gaming chip
> – Intel announces Panther Lake AI laptop chip and handheld gaming platform
> – Why it matters: AI hardware race intensifies as consumer-ready robots and immersive experiences dominate CES buzz
Nvidia, AMD, and Intel kicked off CES 2026 with a flurry of AI chip and platform announcements, yet audiences were most captivated by Jensen Huang’s tiny robot companions and Lego’s interactive Star Wars experience.
Nvidia Bets on “Physical AI”
Huang introduced Cosmos, a foundation model trained on massive datasets to simulate physics-accurate environments, and Alpamayo, tailored for autonomous driving. He confirmed Vera Rubin, Nvidia’s next-gen AI superchip platform, is now in full production and announced a new partnership with Siemens.
The crowd’s attention shifted when two chirping, waddling robots joined Huang on stage, instantly becoming the talk of the show.
AMD and Intel Counter With Fresh Silicon
**Lisa Su revealed AMD’s updated Ryzen AI processor lineup and the gaming-focused Ryzen 7 9850X3D, aiming to expand AMD’s AI-PC footprint.
Intel’s Panther Lake (Core Ultra Series 3) AI laptop chip debuted alongside plans for a new handheld gaming platform. The company, buoyed by a 10% federal stake secured under the Trump administration, is pushing to regain ground lost during the mobile and early AI booms.
Robotaxis, Smart Bricks, and Musical Candy
- Uber, Lucid Motors, and Nuro showed an autonomous taxi with 360-degree perception and personalized in-cabin controls. Testing began last month in San Francisco; a late-2026 Bay Area launch is targeted.
- Lego unveiled sensor-packed smart bricks that light up and sound off, partnering with Star Wars so fans can build interactive space battles and lightsaber duels.
- Korean tech giant LG previewed a humanoid home robot, CLOiD, designed to fold laundry and fetch food-promising real-world deployment.
- Musical lollipop maker Lollipop Star demoed $8.99 candy that plays songs via bone-induction while you eat; Akon is scheduled to appear at their booth.
Industrial and Entertainment Moves
Boston Dynamics’ humanoid Atlas robot, now heading for Hyundai’s Georgia EV plant by 2028, performed publicly for the first time.
Delta Air Lines became the “official airline” of The Sphere, offering SkyMiles members exclusive lounge access and suite seating starting with the Backstreet Boys’ February residency finale.
Key Takeaways
- Nvidia’s physics-based AI tools aim to keep it ahead of rising competition
- AMD and Intel are racing to own AI-powered personal computing
- CES 2026 proves AI isn’t just about chips-robots, cars, toys, and even candy are getting smarter
From superchips to sweet tunes, Day 1 signaled that AI’s next wave will be felt everywhere-sometimes literally in the palm of your hand.
