At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, an overwhelming number of products were labeled as “AI-enabled,” yet many of them lacked practical value. Products like AI-powered toothbrushes and toilets were promoted as groundbreaking but raised significant privacy concerns. During the event, NVIDIA’s CEO, Jensen Huang, delivered a keynote almost entirely dedicated to AI, ignoring other sectors like gaming that used to be staples of such presentations.

The show also promised a new era of autonomous vehicles, though these aren’t quite ready for the mainstream. Various companies demonstrated their domestic robots intended to ease chores, yet most are not yet capable of handling tasks without human intervention.

Surprisingly, some of the most impressive innovations came from simpler technology. The Lili Screen, designed for dyslexics, enhances reading through flickering LCD screens, and SeeHaptic allows those with vision impairments to navigate through touch sensations via a specialized backpack. These highlight how technology can significantly impact by addressing specific needs.

While CES 2026 showcased many unnecessary AI gadgets, it also reminded us that when technology is applied thoughtfully, it can lead to remarkable outcomes. Through the clutter, there are gems that hold the promise of making a genuine difference.