Not Quite the Jetsons, But Pretty Damn Close

DMH IN THE WILD

Not Quite the Jetsons, But Pretty Damn Close

By Megan Spreer

01/28/2026

CES 2026 proved the future isn’t flashy hype, it’s thoughtful, connected, and ready for brands who pay attention.

Taking videos at CES with my iPhone 15 Pro made me feel painfully out of date. But I did leave much more energized with how much easier, more connected, and more intuitive our lives could be very soon.

These are my biggest takeaways from the halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center—and why they matter to us as an agency:

  • AI is no longer a buzzword. It’s assumed, and it’s finally intentional
  • Robotics are moving beyond single-use tasks into fully integrated, everyday assets
  • Technology is integrating more deeply into every part of life, from sleep to work to recreation

Artificial Intelligence Is Actually Showing Its Intelligence

Let’s start with AI. For the past few years, every brand was slapping “AI-powered” onto products just to ride the trend. In many cases, it wasn’t thoughtful and it wasn’t helpful. CES 2026 marked a noticeable shift.

AI is still everywhere, but now it’s purposeful.

A great example is Amazon’s recent launch of Alexa+. Instead of relying on rigid prompts and awkward command phrasing, Alexa+ allows for truly conversational interaction. You can string together multiple requests naturally, without pauses or resets, and the system actually understands context.

That same intentionality showed up across smart home technology. Refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves are now utilizing AI to learn user preferences, recommending recipes, cooking methods, and timing based on what you like, what you have on hand, and how you typically cook. And these appliances don’t operate in silos; they talk to each other.

Home energy systems are doing the same: learning wake and sleep patterns to automatically adjust lighting, temperature, and appliance usage without manual input. This is a long way from the days when companies simply added a chatbot to answer questions no one asked. The AI at CES felt genuinely intelligent, adaptive, and useful.

Robots Are Starting to Look Like the Ones on TV

Remember The Jetsons? (Gen X does.)

CES 2026 made it clear that we’re inching closer to having our own version of Rosie, the Jetsons’ robot that managed the household, handled chores, and somehow kept everyone sane.

Robotic technology has expanded far beyond single-task machines. LG showcased its new home robot, LG CLOiD, which uses AI and vision-based technology to support its “Zero Labor Home” vision. CLOiD can assist with cooking, laundry, cleaning, and more. The demo focused on how valuable this could be for an aging or less mobile population, but as a mom of two very active teens, I was immediately sold. A robot that handles the household tasks I don’t have time (or desire) to do while I’m at work? Yes, please. Though I will be renaming her. Sorry, CLOiD. She’s Rosie.

Robots were everywhere at CES. Companion robots that carry on full conversations and learn your personality. Robots designed to play with your pets. Yes, even becoming best friends with your grumpy cat. I got surprisingly attached to ROVAR, an adorable companion robot with rugged wheels that can follow you on hikes through the woods. (Not that I hike, but I could.)

And while the consumer-facing robots were impressive, every industry had its own robotic applications designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity in professional environments.

Even More Integration, Everywhere

We’ve watched integration steadily increase over the years, from smart homes to connected workplaces. What started with programmable coffee makers has evolved into entire ecosystems working in sync.

One of my standout examples at CES: a refrigerator that doesn’t just store food, but acts as an intelligent planning hub. Tell it you’re having a friend over for dinner at 6 p.m, and it knows what ingredients you have, selects a recipe based on your preferences, calculates prep and cook time, and communicates directly with your oven to preheat at the right moment—before you even start chopping.

This level of integration won’t stop in the kitchen. It’s extending into vehicles, offices, healthcare, entertainment, and places we haven’t even imagined yet.

What Does This Mean for Us and for Our Clients?

We attend events like CES because understanding emerging technology gives us a glimpse into the future and scratches the human itch of pushing the boundaries. 

As AI and machine learning increasingly influence what consumers see, choose, and buy, it’s critical to know what excites them, what builds trust, and what drives adoption. These technologies aren’t just changing products, they’re reshaping behavior.

Our job is to stay ahead of those shifts, so when consumers turn to AI-driven recommendations, automated systems, or connected platforms, your brand is already there—visible, relevant, and positioned to win.

By staying close to what’s next, we help your brand lead the change, not chase it. Your next step dictates the direction your brand takes. Brand is everything. Everything is brand.