The world’s largest tech trade show returned this year from January 7 to 11, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and futuristic concepts.
Some of my personal highlights from CES 2024 included: a notable presence of aircraft manufacturers, transparent MicroLED displays, Next-Gen Holographic Technology (by Holoconnects), the AI-powered mobile device Rabbit r1, and Smart Rings. (You can find more details here: Highlights of CES 2024.)
This year, visitors were once again immersed in a wonderland of electronic gadgets, cutting-edge devices, and futuristic product concepts. Key features of the event included: advanced vacuum robots, next-generation AI chips, new graphics cards, and upgraded TVs/monitors (such as the LG G5 from LG, which boasts up to 40% higher brightness). Other standout innovations included the world’s first mass-produced flying car (from XPENG, with production scheduled for 2025 and delivery in 2026), smart home and kitchen solutions, gaming devices like Lenovo’s new handheld console “Legion GO S,” and much more. And of course, AI was everywhere 😉, with NVIDIA declaring the dawn of the AI agent era at CES 2025.
Here are some standout highlights:
Robots: Now Affordable
Household robotics products have noticeably reached a higher level of maturity. Most importantly, these robots are now available at affordable prices, potentially reaching a wider audience. The Unitree Go2 Quadruped Robot, a four-legged robot, costs around $1,600:
From Samsung, there is Ballie, which was showcased at last year’s event. It is set to be available in the first half of 2025:
The world’s First “Rollable” Notebook
Display technology continues to redefine innovation: following the rise of foldable smartphones, we now have rollable notebooks. Lenovo has introduced the world’s first rollable laptop at CES.
At 1.7 kg, it’s on the heavier side for this category, and the price of €2,800 positions it as a premium device. However, it offers a groundbreaking feature that sets it apart. Take a look for yourself:
Versatile Solar Panels for Modern Applications
As global warming exceeds the critical 1.5-degree threshold, it’s encouraging to see advancements in renewable energy. Not only are photovoltaic panels becoming more efficient, but their versatility is also expanding. Innovative concepts like those from Powerfoyle / Exeger showcase this potential.
These silicon-free solar cells convert light into electricity and work for both indoor and outdoor use. They can also mimic a variety of materials, including leather, textiles, brushed steel, or carbon fiber. This flexible solar technology is designed for seamless integration into products like headphones, bike helmets, smart home sensors, speakers, and more:
Smart Glasses
The vision of smart glasses and AR glasses is undeniably compelling, yet several attempts by companies have fallen short of expectations – consider, for instance, the first generation of Google Glasses.
CES 2025 provides a clear snapshot of the current state of smart glasses technology. Among the highlights are the Rokid AR Glasses, which offer real-time translation. A micro-projector displays the translations (e.g., Mandarin to English) directly onto the lenses.
I came across a product review by Techmagnet for the gaming-focused Rokid AR Job 2, made three months ago at the IFA. Check it out here (It’s in German, though):
Rokid is, of course, not the only player in the smart glasses market. There’s also competition from China, where the startup Halliday has developed an innovative smart glass model. Preorders will begin in January, with a price point of $490.
Gen 2 Autonomous Tractors by John Deere
A tractor might not be on the average consumer’s shopping list, but the fact that John Deere showcased the second generation of its autonomous tractors at CES highlights the growing relevance of the event for electronics, AI, and related technologies. This is underscored by the presence of automakers and aircraft manufacturers at the show.
The average age of farmers in the U.S. is around 58 years, which underscores the importance of autonomous farming equipment in addressing real-world challenges. It’s also worth noting that farming operations in the U.S. are, on average, significantly larger than those in countries like Germany.
The Gen 2 autonomous tractors displayed at CES feature 360-degree visibility, supported by 16 cameras and LIDAR. Control is managed through an app (Operations Center). See it in action here: