From 9 to 12 January 2024, the Consumer electronics show (Ces), the trade fair that brings together the global technology community every year, took place in Las Vegas. Thousands of companies exhibited their projects and innovations. The most interesting innovations included the world of automotive, health, home automation and artificial intelligence.
In the automotive field, several future mobility solutions were presented, such as electric cars, robot loaders, self-sustainable caravans, automated work vehicles and intelligent boats capable of docking independently. Among the protagonists were brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Honda, Hyundai, Segway and Weber. Mercedes-Benz presented the new MBUX, the digital and voice assistant offering empathetic and personalised interaction with the driver. Kia showed five electric concept cars anticipating the models it is launching by 2025. Honda announced an electric range that will be preparatory to the launch of 30 more models by 2030, in collaboration with Sony. Hyundai focused on hydrogen and presented an energy transition solution that combines mobility with recycling, turning plastic waste into clean hydrogen. Segway unveiled the innovative e-bikes Xafari and Xyber, pioneering the new era of sustainable and interactive mobility.
In the area of health, several devices were seen that exploit artificial intelligence to offer a complete check-up and a better quality of life. Among the most curious products is BeamO, a device launched by the French company Whitings that can monitor the oxygen level in the blood, measure fever, do an electrocardiogram and also acts as a digital stethoscope. The results are sent to the app and can be shared with the doctor. Another example is glasses that can improve the wearer’s hearing.
For home automation, solutions have been conceived to make the home smarter, safer and more comfortable by connecting home appliances and digital platforms. The most surprising innovations include LG’s wireless transparent OLED TV, the first in the world, which when switched on looks like an almost normal TV, but when switched off is transparent and can also display content allowing those in front to see what is behind it. Another example is Samsung’s Family Hub refrigerator, which has a 21.5-inch touch screen that allows one to manage food stocks, shop online, watch videos, listen to music and communicate with family members.
In terms of artificial intelligence, futuristic robots that can perform many functions, such as assisting people, entertaining, educating, supervising and cleaning, caught the eye. The funniest robots include Moflin, a furry pet that makes noises and moves according to its mood and emotions, and can interact with its owner. More serious is Samsung’s Ballie, a yellow ball that follows its owner around the house and helps him with household chores such as turning on the lights, adjusting the temperature, controlling security cameras and activating household appliances.
These are only some examples of how Ces in Las Vegas was a showcase for the future of technology, demonstrating the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead in different areas of daily life. Ces also demonstrated how technology is increasingly connected, interactive and customised, offering solutions tailored to the needs and preferences of each user.
