CES 2026: tangerine’s design takeaway

CES 2026 revealed a clear truth: the future is no longer defined by technology alone, but by how intelligently, intuitively, and beautifully that technology is designed into people’s lives.

Our team returned energised by the pace of innovation on show—and proud to support Roam, the startup we’ve backed through investment and a close design and brand partnership. Roam’s presence resonated strongly with retailers, distributors, and prospective customers, with the brand’s design-led approach standing out in a market hungry for intelligent, purposeful products.

Across the show floor, we observed several defining themes. Below is tangerine’s design‑centred take on the movements shaping the next generation of products and experiences.

 

AI becomes tangible

Artificial intelligence once again dominated CES, but this year marked a shift from abstraction to embodiment. AI is no longer something companies feel the need to explain; it has become an invisible layer of intelligence woven into physical products and environments.

Key examples included:

• Humanoid robots displaying advanced emotion recognition, more natural movement, and increasingly precise task execution—signalling a new wave of physical AI across consumer and industrial contexts.
• AI wearables that interpret biometric signals in real time, moving from passive tracking to proactive, personalised guidance for work, leisure and health.
• LG’s collaboration with Google Gemini, expressed through a playful pinball‑themed exhibition design that made otherwise intangible AI upgrades to its TV entertainment browser feel tactile, immediate, and human.

 

For designers, the shift is clear: AI is no longer the story. The experience is.

 

Wearable Glasses and Smart Rings take centre stage

Wearables were among the most accelerated categories this year, with smart glasses and health-tracking rings emerging as the fastest-growing segments.

Highlights included:

• Xreal’s AR gaming glasses with a 240 Hz micro‑OLED display and a 171‑inch equivalent virtual screen.
• RayNeo Air 4 Pro, developed with TCL, combining HDR10 micro‑OLED visuals with Bang & Olufsen‑tuned audio.
• Rokid’s AI Glasses, offering real‑time translation, voice interaction, and Qualcomm AR1-powered performance.

 

From a design standpoint, hardware differentiation remains surprisingly thin. Many brands are converging on similar forms, materials, and archetypes—creating an opportunity for design leadership to define the next generation of aesthetic and ergonomic distinction.

 

Wellness evolves toward longevity and preservation

A clear narrative emerged around the evolution from wellness to longevity. Rather than merely measuring health, products now aim to preserve, predict, and extend it.

Examples from CES included:

• Withings’ Body Scan 2, a “longevity station” able to track over 60 biomarkers and deliver clinical-grade insights from the home.
• Hisense’s BHQ Measurement Device, using facial analysis to provide rapid, engaging assessments of cognitive wellbeing.

 

These advances reflect a shift toward devices that act as long‑term companions—supported by AI models that guide users toward healthier, more sustainable living. For designers, the challenge will be building trust, simplicity, and emotional resonance into increasingly complex systems.

 

Folding, rolling, and extending displays mature

Flexible display technology made a substantial leap forward this year. Rollable, foldable, and extendable screens were presented not as novelties but as ready-to-commercialise solutions capable of transforming work, entertainment, and mobility.

Notable showcases included:

• A wave of rollable screens and 3D TVs, signalling strong investment in immersive visual formats.
• LG and Sony’s automotive displays, revealing how AI enhanced AR screens can enhance in‑vehicle interfaces.
• Lenovo’s Legion Pro Rollable Concept—a gaming laptop stretching from 16″ to 24″ to support elite esports performance on the move.

 

For tangerine, these technologies unlock exciting avenues for multi‑modal interaction, dynamic surfaces, and adaptable environments.

 

Humanoid Robots: High on promise, still early in practice

Humanoid robots were positioned as a cornerstone of the future home and workplace, yet performance gaps were still visible.

Despite impressive demonstrations—such as emotion‑sensitive robots, choreographed movement, and integrated smart-home behaviour—the technology is not yet ready for mainstream adoption. Issues around speed, reliability, and cost remain persistent.

We saw this firsthand through:

• A dancing robot whose routine ended in a dramatic topple and reboot.
• Robotic baristas struggling to keep up with real‑world queues.

 

Design’s role will be pivotal in turning these promising prototypes into dependable companions that deliver genuine value beyond what human labour can already provide at lower cost.

 

Roam: A standout story in the startup landscape

Amid the noise and innovation, Roam’s profile at CES was exceptional. Interest from retailers and distributors was strong, customers engaged deeply with the brand, and the appetite for design-led, intelligent tracking products was unmistakable.

Roam achieved several milestones:

• A dedicated booth in Eureka Park’s startup zone.
• Presence on the Nordic Semiconductor chip stand.
• A Best of Kickstart trophy and techrader Picks 2026 Nominee
• A guest spotlight on Jellop’s stand, showcasing Roam as a crowdfunding success—having launched last year with over $500,000 in pre-orders.

 

We also previewed two new products in development: Lost & Found QR Stickers and a new luggage‑focused tracker. More on these soon.

 

Looking ahead

CES 2026 reinforced that the next era of innovation depends on design that makes advanced technology feel natural, human, and meaningful. For tangerine—and for Roam—the show validated the power of thoughtful design, user‑centred strategy, and a long‑term vision for the ecosystems that will shape how we live, move, and interact.