AI TAKES PHYSICAL FORM AT CES 2026

Physical AI Takes Center Stage at CES [00:02]

• AI is moving beyond generative models to take a physical form, aiming to understand the laws of physics and human behavior.
• This new "physical AI" will possess bodily awareness, spatial understanding, and the ability to interact with its environment, moving beyond simple pixel labeling.
• The integration of computer vision, physics simulation, and machine learning is key to enabling machines to learn cause and effect.

• "So the the idea would be beyond pixel labeling. So the the machine is not only seeing pixel and one and twos and one and zero sorry it will also um get bodily awareness."

Nvidia's Vision for Autonomous Vehicles [03:45]

• Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced a focus on bringing reasoning capabilities to autonomous vehicles.
• The goal is to create systems that allow self-driving cars to make decisions by understanding the potential actions of other vehicles and people around them.
• This represents a shift from pre-programmed decisions to machine-driven reasoning for driving, including the ability to explain those decisions.

• "So what he's saying is that he wants a system that will allow allow autonomous vehicles, so a car without a driver to be taking decisions knowing what the other cars and the other people around it might be doing in a certain situation and explain the driving decision."

Tangible AI and Evolving Consumer Expectations [04:31]

• CES 2024 highlighted a trend towards hardware applications of AI that consumers can acquire in the physical world, such as autonomous vehicles.
• This marks a potential shift where physical AI products could surpass the usage of purely online software applications like ChatGPT.
• Consumer expectations are being shaped by the emergence of physical AI, with a growing anticipation for humanoids assisting in jobs and everyday life.

• "So since the u consumer's expectation is um around the future that has been just emerging the physical AI era companies are preparing for that era and I think that this year's CES u which the theme is AI every every everywhere really um showcased how that future is just around the corner."

Industry Collaboration and the Humanoid Future [06:07]

• Innovations in physical AI are being showcased not only by large tech companies but also by small and medium-sized enterprises, narrowing the technological gap.
• Collaboration between large companies and startups is crucial for developing and manufacturing physical AI technologies.
• Hyundai's potential contract with Boston Dynamics to supply components for the Atlas humanoid robot exemplifies industry-level collaboration.
• The rise of humanoids is expected to lead to dramatic changes in the labor market, potentially accelerating existing trends of layoffs.

• "And I think that the uh companies and also the government is uh should wisely prepare for the coming era of human and robots uh working together in daily lives."

South Korea's Dominance in CES Innovation [08:02]

• South Korean companies have claimed 60% of the innovation awards at CES for the third consecutive year, demonstrating a strong technological edge.
• Notable innovations include a K-beauty device that uses AI to treat and cover scars, advanced foldable screens without visible creases, and robust LED panel TVs tested with significant impact.
• Sci-fi-like humanoid robots designed for domestic assistance, capable of tasks like baking and laundry, were also a major point of discussion.

• "So the second thing has also been French media. I especially I've seen um I've been quite impressed with the screen innovations uh old by the Korean company."

The Dawn of a Humanoid Robot Revolution? [10:58]

• While not immediate, a humanoid robot revolution is anticipated within the next few years, transforming daily life.
• The widespread adoption of such technologies hinges on establishing appropriate policies and laws for coexistence between humans and humanoids.
• Cost is a significant factor; technologies become widely accepted when prices become affordable for the majority, requiring economies of scale and continued innovation.

• "So um I think that we still have couple of years until we will see a you know humanoid world. Um but definitely the age is coming"

US-China Rivalry at CES [12:54]

• The US-China rivalry is evident at CES, with a strong sense of competitiveness from Chinese companies, exemplified by TCL occupying a prime spot previously held by Samsung.
• CES aims to be a global platform championing innovation without taking sides, serving as a neutral ground for dialogue between countries and companies.
• Despite existing tariffs and trade tensions, CES emphasizes the importance of fostering discussions and collaborations around technology.

• "So prior to the opening of the event, Gary Shapiro is the president of the CTA who is taking care of this CES event. He was saying in a press conference right before the opening that they want to be a global per platform that champions an innovation without taking sight and he was comparing themselves like the CES comparing them to a neutral ground like Switzerland uh in the diplomatic arena."

AI, Stock Markets, and Semiconductor Demand [15:02]

• The global stock markets are experiencing a surge driven by AI expectations, with CES providing confidence that AI is not merely a bubble.
• The US economy is expected to grow, supported by potential interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.
• Semiconductor manufacturing is crucial for physical AI, and South Korea, a major producer, is well-positioned due to this demand.

• "So I think it's positive because um you know the public finally understood that um AI is not might not be a bubble and for a Korean standpoint I think it's very important because we manufacture semiconductors and you know all the physical AI requires semiconductors in my opinion"

South Korean Stock Market Rally and Semiconductor Outlook [16:46]

• The South Korean stock market, particularly the Kospi, is rallying, fueled by positive expectations for major chipmakers like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
• The demand for semiconductors is not solely reliant on AI development but also encompasses physical AI and data centers.
• SK Hynix's announcement of HBM4 technology at CES underscores the critical role of advanced memory solutions for AI data centers and high-performance computing.
• The infrastructure side of AI development, including building data centers and driving AI initiatives, is creating substantial and widespread demand.

• "So um last year the stock market was fundamentally driven by the capital that flew from the real estate market to the stock market. Um and this year um I think you know the Korean stock market is being really positive on the expectations on Samsung Electronics and SKH Highix which are our major chip makers."

K-Culture's Potential Re-entry into China [18:46]

• There is growing optimism regarding the potential return of K-culture to the Chinese market following a summit between South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• Despite positive signs, there is no immediate lifting of the ban that has restricted Korean cultural content in China since 2016, stemming from geopolitical tensions.
• Chinese President Xi Jinping used metaphors suggesting that progress will be gradual, likening the situation to thick ice thawing slowly and ripe fruit falling naturally.
• Even with the unofficial ban, a significant portion of K-pop exports already target China, highlighting the market's importance.

• "So the the thing is the position of painting is is always a bit hard on this because they do not recognize that there is a cultural ban. It's been in place since 2016, but it's not recognized officially."