Sometimes, AI just wants to be your friend. And while robot pets weren’t the biggest stars of CES 2026, they’ve become more than just noise and are signaling how AI is apparently leaving our screens and taking on a physical presence in our lives.

CES 2026, the annual consumer tech conference held in Las Vegas, is here. And lucky for you, we have TechCrunch editors and reporters on the ground to cover the news, scout out the interesting, weird,

Engineers and computer scientists are developing AI-powered robots that look and act human. Boston Dynamics invited 60 Minutes to watch its humanoid, Atlas, learn how to work at a Hyundai factory.

CES 2026 reveals how physical AI, longevity tech, and blockchain are converging into something bigger: the Human Operating System. Keynotes by Siemens, Nvidia, and AMD

Humanoids, robotaxis and industrial bots dominate the year’s biggest consumer technology show. Their usefulness remains an open question

A Chinese company founded under a year ago claims its AI-powered robot can perform a task many humans struggle with. It could end up being a big deal.

LG’s new robot promises to tackle household chores so you don’t have to.

Waymo, the largest purveyor of self-driven transport, says on its website that its robotaxis are “ the embodiment of fully autonomous technology that is always in control from pickup to destination.” Passengers “can sit in the back seat, relax, and enjoy the ride with the Waymo Driver getting them to their destination safely.”

Exhibited at CES 2026, VBOT’s AI-powered emotional intelligence robot dog offer the comfort of a pet, without the barking or biting.