AI dominates the show at CES 2026: brew, smell, and serve
AI Takes Centre Stage at CES 2026, From Smart Espresso to Tennis Robots
Las Vegas: Artificial intelligence dominated CES 2026, embedding itself into everyday consumer devices—from coffee machines that brew espresso on voice command to AI-powered scent creators and robotic tennis partners that blur the line between human and machine.
Alexa, Brew Me an Espresso
German engineering group Bosch showcased a new AI-enabled feature for its fully automated 800 Series coffee machine, priced from $1,700, that integrates with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Users can order a coffee using voice commands alone, with the machine capable of producing 35 different espresso variations.
“We’re one of the first manufacturers to really lean in with AI,” said Andrew de Lara, spokesperson for Bosch. The company plans to expand AI-driven functionality across kitchen appliances through its Home Connect mobile app, which already allows remote control of multiple devices.
AI-Powered Personal Fragrances
South Korean startup DigitalScent unveiled a machine that creates customised fragrances based on a user’s mood and preferences. Already deployed in some airports, the device uses AI to generate a scent preview, allowing users to refine their choices before placing an order.
Once confirmed, the system produces a near-unique fragrance within seconds, selecting from over 1,150 combinations. The finished scent is delivered in a small, portable vial priced at $3–$4, according to the company.
Game, Set, AI
AI-driven sports robotics also grabbed attention at the show. While Singapore-based Sharpa continues to refine its humanoid table tennis robot with reaction times as low as 0.02 seconds, fully autonomous humanoid tennis players remain elusive.
Chinese robotics firm UBTech recently released a video of its Walker S2 humanoid robot rallying with a human, though the demonstration was limited in speed and movement. The company’s robots are primarily designed for industrial use, and the clip appeared aimed at showcasing agility rather than entering the sports market.
Meanwhile, Chinese startup Tenniix is commercialising a tennis ball robot capable of firing shots at speeds of up to 75 mph (120 kmph). The machine offers 10 shot types, including spin shots and high lobs reaching eight metres. Its AI system analyses a player’s strokes and returns balls from realistic angles, simulating an actual rally.
The base model, holding up to 100 balls, is priced at $699, while a fully featured version costing $1,600 includes cameras and mobility wheels.
“There’s a real rhythm—as if you were playing with a real person,” said Run Kai Huang, spokesperson for Tenniix.
AI Moves Into Daily Life
CES 2026 highlighted how AI is rapidly moving beyond software and into physical consumer experiences—reshaping how people brew coffee, choose fragrances and even practise sports—signalling a future where intelligent machines increasingly blend into everyday routines.