CES 2026 Physical AI and Robotics: The New Frontier of Mobility
CES 2026 highlights the rise of Physical AI and humanoids, while Trump's comments on Chinese EVs create new geopolitical ripples in the mobility sector.
The void left by U.S. automakers at the Las Vegas Convention Center has been filled by something far more agile. CES 2026 marks a pivotal shift where cars take a backseat to Physical AI. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's vision of 'embodied AI' is no longer a concept—it's driving the future of transportation.
CES 2026 Physical AI and Robotics: Beyond the Dashboard
According to TechCrunch, companies like Waymo, Zoox, and Geely dominated the floor, but it was Hyundai that stole the spotlight. Instead of unveiling new sedans, the Korean giant showcased the Atlas humanoid robot from its subsidiary Boston Dynamics. This signals a broader trend where mobility companies are pivoting toward general-purpose robotics.
The financial stakes are rising fast. Mobileye recently acquired humanoid startup Mentee Robotics for $900 million. When asked about the hype surrounding humanoids, Mobileye President Amnon Shashua compared it to the early days of the internet: "Hype means companies are overvalued for a time, but it doesn't mean the domain isn't real. Humanoids are real."
Geopolitical Shifts: Trump's Stance on Chinese EVs
While tech advances, political friction remains. President Trump recently expressed openness to Chinese automakers building plants in the U.S., a move that has reportedly left industry lobbyists "freaking out." This potential policy shift clashes with the 2025 Department of Commerce rule that effectively restricts Chinese-linked connected vehicle hardware and software due to security concerns.
In a stark contrast, Canada is opening its doors wider. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a massive reduction in import taxes on Chinese EVs, slashing the rate from 100% to just 6.1%. This decoupling of U.S. and Canadian trade policy could create a complex North American supply chain dynamic in the coming years.
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