We just got back from CES 2026, and we’re still sorting through everything we saw.
Rather than summarizing every booth and headline, we did something simple: we asked two teammates to share their biggest takeaways from the week.
Below, each section is written in the author’s own voice. If you’re deciding what to build next, what tech is worth betting on, or what trends are actually making it into real products, these insights will help. Jump to one that matches your interests or read both to see the overlaps.
- Tod Grams, Key Account Manager, former Electronics Engineering Manager
- Emily Newcomb, Account Executive, former Talent Consultant
Tod Grams, Key Account Manager, former Electronics Engineering Manager
for more CES takeaways and engineering insights.
“CES 2026 is now behind us, but the future is upon us now! I was inspired by the groundbreaking technological advancementsshowcasedat the event. From innovative smart home solutions tocutting-edgehealthcare technologies, the show was a testament to the incredible progress being made across many industries.
One standout was the surge in sustainable tech, with companies unveiling eco-friendly products designed to reduce carbon footprints and promote a greener future.
Additionally, advancements in AI and robotics were impressive, demonstrating significant strides in automation and machine learning capabilities. I witnessed these “humanoids” dealing a deck of playing cards, playing ping-pong, and being trained to complete a set of tasks in a matter of a few seconds.
Lastly, I can’t help but be thankful for the advancements in age tech products for the aging population. From eyesight improvement products to health monitoring wearables to tech enablement for in-home care to advanced mobility products, I found myself in awe (and no longer scared of getting older!).
I’mexcited to bring these insights back to my team at ӰƵ Engineering. My hope is that the teamleveragesthese tech advancements to drive innovative solutions for our clients and continue our mission of making a positive difference.”
Emily Newcomb, Account Executive, former Talent Consultant
for more CES takeaways and technical talent insights.
“As somebody who had never really been to a large trade showorconference in mycareer,walking into CES 2026 was, to put it lightly, slightly overwhelming. After gathering myself and walking tens of thousands of steps overthe threedays,Ifound twothings that really stood out to me: theemphasis on gut health as a core part of wellness, and the sheernumber of young inventorsbringing fresh ideas to the show floor.
Everywhere I turned, there seemed to be another example of AI being woven into daily life, from smart glasses and rings to expressive robotic “pets” (if you ask me, those were a little creepy), plus a growing ecosystem of digital health apps. Within that larger wave of innovation, one of the clearest health trends was how often gut health came up in conversations about overall wellbeing, with booths showcasing technologies that analyze digestion, track biomarkers in the bathroom, and connect microbiome insights to more personalized lifestyle recommendations. As somebody who is certainly guilty of paying far too close attention to the latest health trends, it was exciting to see how seriously these companies are taking wellbeing.
Equally memorable was the energy coming from young founders and small teams scattered throughout the exhibit halls. I spoke with several early-stage companies that had been started within the last year by a couple of young innovators who believed in an idea enough to build a business around it, and their enthusiasm was contagious.
One of the startups that really stuck with me was, a vending machine concept designed to dispense pre-workout at the gym so people can quickly grab exactly what they need before training instead of committing to big tubs or complicated subscriptions. The idea was born out of a class project that they then decided to turnintoreality. It was clear the founders were excited by where the company was going.
Seeing that mix of bold, early-career founders and creative, practical ideas made the conference feel less like a showcase of only big-company acquisitions and more like a glimpse into how new voices are helping shape the future of health and everyday tech.”
Until Next Year…
CES is a great reminder that there’s no shortage of new tech. The difficult part is deciding what’s really worth paying attention to for your product and your timeline.
If any of these takeaways sparked questions about your roadmap, feasibility, or manufacturing timelines,we’dlove to hear from you.Send us a messageand tell us whatyou’rebuilding, whatyou’restuck on, and how we might be able to help.
Written By:
Tod Grams
Key Account Manager
Emily Newcomb
Account Executive
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