The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 kicked off this week in Las Vegas, giving tech enthusiasts a glimpse into the latest innovations and products soon hitting the market. This year’s show heavily featured artificial intelligence and automation advancements making their way into consumer devices and vehicles.
AI Permeates the Smart Home
Several companies unveiled new smart home devices infused with artificial intelligence to make daily tasks easier. Kohler introduced smart toilets that use AI to analyze users’ excrement and adjustments to everything from the ambient music to the heated seat. LG showed off an AI-powered TV that can switch profiles based on facial recognition and make content recommendations personalized for each family member.
Samsung’s expanded line of Ballie consumer robots can now control other smart home devices, monitor pets, and provide healthcare assistance like reminding users to take their medication. Philips previewed a new voice assistant that handles an expanded range of commands for controlling appliances and other smart home devices.
High-Tech Takes Over the Kitchen
The kitchen emerged as a key area for AI-enabled gadgets. GE Profile introduced a smart microwave that identifies food types and automatically selects the best cook settings. Meanwhile, LG’s smart oven camera monitors food as it cooks, automatically adjusting heat and timing to ensure the optimal doneness.
Several companies also highlighted robots designed specifically for cooking. Samsung’s Bot Chef has advanced enough to prepare customized meals with ingredients available in users’ kitchens. Food tech startups Anthropic and Perfect Company unveiled their own chef robots for home kitchens as well.
Electrification Accelerates in the Auto Industry
Electric and self-driving vehicle technology remained in the spotlight. Major manufacturers like Honda, Hyundai and Fiat showcased new EV models with expanded range capabilities, some able to achieve over 500 miles on a single charge. Kia previewed an autonomous EV sedan designed specifically for ride-hailing services, featuring Level 4 self-driving capability with no steering wheel.
Startup Canoo unveiled an AI assistant named Mave that can monitor drivers’ moods and behaviors, adjust vehicle settings for comfort, recommend destinations or even intervene during dangerous driving situations. Auto supplier Bosch announced a new car sensor system that uses AI to detect nearby emergency vehicles and automatically clear a path for first responders.
| Company | Product Highlight |
|---|---|
| Kohler | Smart toilets with AI analyze users’ excrement |
| LG | AI TV recognizes faces and makes recommendations |
| Samsung | Expanded Ballie robot line controls smart home devices |
| GE Profile | Smart microwave identifies foods and selects cook times |
| LG | Smart oven camera monitors and adjusts cooking |
| Samsung | Bot Chef robot prepares customized meals |
| Honda | EV with 500+ mile range |
| Kia | Autonomous ride-hailing EV sedan |
| Canoo | Mave AI assistant monitors driver behavior |
| Bosch | Emergency vehicle detection system |
Health Tech Adoption Accelerates
Several exhibitors showcased innovations aimed at improving health outcomes through automation and remote monitoring. Philips demonstrated an AI algorithm-driven MRI scanner that requires less expertise to operate, expanding access to imaging diagnostics.
Wearable company Omron previewed a next generation heart monitor capable of predicting potential heart attacks up to one week in advance. MedWand presented a device allowing doctors to remotely examine patients, take vitals, and make diagnoses from afar.
What Comes Next?
While previous CES events focused heavily on conceptual prototypes, this year’s show featured innovations closer to commercial availability. The AI and automation at the heart of many new products promise to enhance convenience, customization and accessibility in daily life.
However, expanded adoption of these technologies will require consumer education on capabilities, security practices, and ethical implementation. Governments may also need to implement guidelines and regulations around emerging product categories like home health tech and autonomous vehicles.
As these new gadgets launch throughout 2024 and beyond, consumers will decide through their purchases which innovations cross the chasm from conceptual niche to mainstream must-have.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
