CES 2025: Insights on AI and Robotics

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is always a whirlwind of innovation, hype, and surprises. After decades in the semiconductor industry and a lifelong technology geek, I’ve developed a sense for identifying both the trends with staying power and those that might just be clever marketing spins. This year, CES didn’t disappoint, and I want to share my takeaways on a few themes that stuck with me—AI and robotics– and spotlight on one of our customers, Fasetto, Inc.

AI: It’s Everywhere (For Better or Worse)

AI was the buzzword at CES—slapped onto products left and right, often without much substance. It felt like nearly every company had an “AI-powered” feature to showcase, regardless of whether the technology truly involved artificial intelligence. AI as a marketing term has become so diluted that it’s often hard to discern real innovation from clever branding.

That said, there were some genuinely impressive applications on display. Obviously the announcements NVidia made are interesting and I am super excited to see what people do with the $3K personal AI Supercomputer, but I am more interested in how AI is being brought to products.  AI-powered vision systems and machine learning algorithms are making significant strides in the smart home space, with devices like security cameras and even vacuum cleaners becoming smarter, more reliable, and more intuitive. While progress is evident in niche industries and applications, the broader question remains: What is the real purpose and value of AI in consumer technology? Many companies are still grappling with how to apply AI effectively and meaningfully. One area where AI advancements stood out was robotics, where its integration is delivering clear benefits.

Robots: Smarter, Cheaper, and Everywhere

If AI was omnipresent at CES, robots weren’t far behind. From robotic vacuum cleaners to lawn mowers and pool cleaners, the show floor was buzzing with machines designed to automate mundane household tasks. What struck me most was the increasing affordability and sophistication of these devices.

It’s not just consumer robots making waves, either. I noticed several companies showcasing robots reminiscent of the famous Boston Dynamics creations—but these weren’t research prototypes. Instead, they’re production-ready machines designed for real-world applications at a fraction of the cost. A conversation with a representative from Apptronik reinforced this point. The rapid advancement of robotics, combined with breakthroughs in AI training models, is accelerating their deployment in warehouses, factories, and even public spaces. The future is coming fast, and we’d better get ready for robots to become part of our everyday lives.

A Shoutout to Fasetto, Inc.

Finally, I’d like to highlight Fasetto, Inc., one of our customers, who showcased their groundbreaking AudioCU product at CES. Their booth was a hit, complete with live DJ performances (including Justin Bieber’s original DJ!). AudioCU offers innovative audio solutions by delivering sound over power lines, making it a game-changer for both residential and commercial applications. For more information on their product and their CES presentation, check out this link.

Final Thoughts

CES 2025 reaffirmed that technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed. AI and robotics are shaping the future, even if the path isn’t entirely clear yet. While some applications might still feel gimmicky, the progress is undeniable, and the potential is vast. And as someone who’s been in this industry long enough to remember when these ideas were just science fiction, it’s exhilarating to see them becoming reality.

Here’s to embracing the future—one innovation at a time.