Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, said that robots, including humanoid robots, will represent the physical form of artificial intelligence (AI). That vision was on full display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas, where humanoid robots emerged as one of the biggest attractions of the four-day tech trade show.
CES 2026 highlighted how rapidly robotics technology is advancing. Large crowds gathered around humanoid demonstrations, signaling growing excitement driven by major industry breakthroughs and high-profile showcases.
Humanoid Robots Draw Massive Crowds
At CES 2026, attendees packed booths hosted by companies such as Agility Robotics, Hyundai, LG Electronics, and Unitree Robotics to watch humanoid robots perform a wide range of tasks. Demonstrations included folding laundry, serving drinks at bars, playing ping-pong, and even performing martial arts routines.
These live demonstrations showed just how adaptable humanoid robots have become, turning ideas once confined to science fiction into tangible reality. Exhibitors emphasized that these machines are not just technological showpieces, but increasingly practical tools designed for real-world use.
Mobileye Bets Big on Practical Humanoid Robots
Mobileye, a major player in artificial intelligence and automotive technology, made headlines with its acquisition of Mentee Robotics in a deal valued at $900 million in cash and stock. The acquisition signals Mobileye’s ambition to bring humanoid robots to the mass market by 2028.
The company expects three customers to begin testing proof-of-concept humanoid models later this year, marking an important step toward commercial deployment and broader adoption.
Function Over Flashy Features
Mobileye executives stressed a focus on practicality rather than spectacle. Chief Communications Officer Dan Galves explained that the company aims to develop affordable, functional robots for factories and logistics operations instead of costly machines designed mainly for impressive stunts.
According to Galves, Mobileye’s strategy centers on solving real problems such as labor shortages and operational inefficiencies. The company has partnered with Aumovio, a spinoff from automotive supplier Continental, to scale production of Mentee robots for high-volume, real-world use.
Robots Step In to Fill Labor Gaps
Agility Robotics was another major presence at CES 2026, highlighting how its humanoid robots are already being deployed in workplaces. Companies including Amazon, GXO Logistics, and MercadoLibre are using Agility’s robots in fulfillment centers.
Daniel Diez, Chief Business Officer at Agility Robotics, said the company is focused on delivering measurable returns on investment. The robots are designed to take on repetitive, physically demanding jobs that are difficult to staff, helping businesses address labor shortages.
Diez emphasized that these machines are not demonstration prototypes, but operational tools built to generate revenue and integrate into existing workflows.
From Experimental to Essential
CES 2026 made it clear that humanoid robots are transitioning from experimental novelties to practical assets for businesses and service industries. Industry experts believe these robots are being developed to solve real-world challenges rather than simply entertain audiences.
As technology improves and production costs fall, humanoid robots are expected to become more common in homes, factories, and warehouses. The innovations showcased at CES point toward a future where humans and robots work side by side, with robots handling repetitive or physically demanding tasks.
Looking Ahead
The future of humanoid robotics appears promising as major companies continue to invest heavily and strike strategic partnerships. The key question now is how quickly these robots can scale into everyday use and whether they can meet the high expectations set at CES 2026.
If current momentum continues, humanoid robots could soon play a significant role across multiple industries, reshaping how people work and interact with technology worldwide.
