Home robots take center stage as Korea leads physical AI push at CES 2026

Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon
 SEOUL, December 29 (AJP) - Robots that cook, clean and care — and appliances that think before users speak — will define South Korea's showcase at CES 2026, where Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and Hyundai Motor Group roll out a new generation of "physical AI" spanning smart homes, humanoid robots and intelligent mobility.

The world's largest consumer electronics show opens Jan. 6 in Las Vegas under the theme "Innovators Show Up," drawing about 4,500 companies from 160 countries. This year's spotlight falls on physical AI — systems capable of perceiving, reasoning and acting in the real world, rather than merely generating text or images.

Korea is expected to command an outsized presence. The country secured about 60 percent of CES 2026 Innovation Awards and captured eight of the 15 prizes in the robotics category, according to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, underscoring its growing influence in embodied AI technologies.

Samsung Electronics will step away from its usual standalone booth at the Las Vegas Convention Center and instead stage an "AI living platform" exhibition at the Wynn Hotel. The showcase will present a fully connected environment linking televisions, home appliances, mobile devices and services through unified software and artificial intelligence.
 GoLe Robotics' AA-2 autonomous delivery robot/ Courtesy of GoLe Robotics
 At the center is the company's Bespoke AI refrigerator, powered by Google's Gemini and Cloud technologies. The appliance moves beyond simple ingredient recognition to offer personalized meal recommendations based on users' dietary patterns and health data.

"In pioneering the application of vision-based AI technology, Samsung has led innovation in the kitchen appliance market," said Jeong Seung-moon, head of the R&D team for Samsung's digital appliances business. "Through collaboration with Google Cloud, we aim to deliver an even higher level of consumer experience."

LG: "affectionate intelligence" and household robots

LG Electronics will showcase what it calls "affectionate intelligence" across its premium Signature lineup, marking the brand’s 10th anniversary. Around 10 appliances embedded with large language models will respond to natural voice commands — including instructions such as asking a refrigerator to preserve meat for a specific period.

The highlight of LG's exhibition will be the CLOiD home assistant robot. Equipped with two articulated arms, seven degrees of freedom per arm and five-fingered hands, the robot is designed to handle delicate household tasks. It embodies LG's vision of a "Zero Labor Home, Makes Quality Time," in which machines take over repetitive chores to free up human time.

Hyundai Motor Group will return to CES after a two-year absence, unveiling AI-integrated mobility technologies that blur the boundary between vehicles and intelligent companions. Among them is a robotaxi capable of detecting passenger fatigue and emotional states, automatically adjusting lighting, temperature and entertainment settings.Graphics by AJP Song Ji-yoon
 Boston Dynamics, Hyundai's U.S. robotics subsidiary, will also demonstrate its Atlas humanoid robot. Industry observers are watching closely for signs of readiness to deploy the machine in Hyundai's manufacturing operations.

Korean startups are also drawing attention with applied robotics solutions recognized by CES 2026 Innovation Awards.

GOLE Robotics won for its AA-2 last-mile autonomous delivery robot, which uses flexible materials to reduce injury risk in collisions with children or elderly pedestrians. The robot also features improved navigation, obstacle avoidance and automated elevator-calling capabilities.

Navifra received an award for its vision-based AI system that enables robots to stop with millimeter-level precision without relying on lidar or floor markers, significantly simplifying installation and real-world deployment.

Hurotics and Humanix were recognized for rehabilitation and exercise robots, reflecting CES 2026's growing emphasis on "empathy AI" — technologies designed to enhance quality of life rather than simply expand functionality.

Korea's strong showing comes as competition in physical AI accelerates worldwide.

China's TCL has taken over Samsung's former prime exhibition space at the convention center, showcasing 115-inch and 163-inch micro LED televisions. Hisense is promoting its AI cooking assistant and integrated smart home platform, while robot vacuum maker Dreame Technology now occupies space previously used by SK Group, presenting physical AI demonstrations including robotic pool-cleaning systems.

Hangzhou-based Unitree Robotics will unveil its G1 humanoid robot, priced from around $13,500 for fully functional models.
Nvidia Chief Executive Jensen Huang is scheduled to deliver a keynote on Jan. 5 focused on physical AI and robotics, projecting the technology could transform 10 million factories and 200,000 warehouses worldwide. The chipmaker plans to demonstrate more than 20 use cases involving robot training and digital twin technologies.
 Unitree Robotics' R1 humanoid robot/ Courtesy of Unitree Robotics, captured from YouTube
 Japan's MinebeaMitsumi will make its CES debut with humanoid robot solutions using high-torque micro actuators for robotic hands, while U.S.-based Realbotix plans to unveil four AI-powered humanoid robots with advanced conversational abilities.

"We've built a world-class foundation for AI embodiment where software and hardware meet personality and presence," said Realbotix CEO Andrew Kiguel.

CES 2026 runs through Jan. 9 and is expected to draw about 140,000 visitors. Samsung Electronics CEO Roh Tae-moon and newly appointed LG Electronics CEO Lyu Jae-cheol are both scheduled to address attendees, as Korea positions itself at the forefront of the global race to turn artificial intelligence into physical reality.
Kim Dong-young Business Reporter davekim0807@ajupress.com