Reporter Zhang Jiaxin

As the annual "Spring Festival Gala" of the technology industry, technology companies from all over the world will "show off their muscles" at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to showcase the most innovative technology trends and equipment.

Since 1967, the world's largest and most influential technology electronics show has launched many fresh and unique products such as VHS recorders, DVD players, 3D printers, and wireless or curtain-type TVs.

On January 9, CES2024 kicked off in Las Vegas, USA. The exhibition received more than 4,000 exhibitors and about 130,000 visitors. Kinsey Fabrizio, senior vice president of CES, said that the booth area of this exhibition is equivalent to 43 football fields, and companies gather here to communicate and display new inventions. Fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital health, smart homes and sustainable technologies have attracted much attention.

Artificial intelligence becomes a hot topic

With the emergence of programs such as ChatGPT and Bard, voice assistants, platforms such as Netflix, and smart home appliances, AI technology has become increasingly popular. According to a research report released by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which hosts CES, 27% of Americans believe that AI technology has had a significant impact on their daily lives. The study also found that although many people believe that AI technology represents "innovation, futurism and intelligence", few people associate it with "trust and security". The report said that consumers unanimously believe that AI regulation is necessary. Several technology companies discussed this issue and how AI technology can bring revolutionary changes to different industries at CES.

Last October, Kelsey Kelly, policy project manager at CTA, pointed out in an article that agriculture, barrier-free design, healthcare and semiconductor industries are all using AI to help solve efficiency problems and social challenges.

Global technology media ZDnet reported that at this CES, any product that contains algorithms, machine learning or any form of automation will be marketed as an AI product. How to see the real AI innovation from the noise of AI marketing will test every visitor to the exhibition.

This year, CES also revealed the actual and potential uses of generative AI and showcased different devices equipped with AI technology: from TVs, speakers and headphones to cameras, cars and robots.

Digital health is becoming more popular

The United Nations estimates that by 2050, the population aged 100 and over will reach 3.7 million. As the population ages, the desire to improve the quality of life is getting stronger, and highly personalized digital medicine will become the general trend.

According to CTA, health care is becoming more personalized, portable and customizable. Last year, some devices including applications for analyzing bowel movements, sensors for real-time monitoring of urine, and credit card-sized devices that can record electrocardiograms attracted attention. This year's CES will also showcase more innovative devices, such as lipstick for diagnosing diseases and AI programs for detecting heart disease.

In addition, the exhibition revealed how the latest technology can change women's physical and mental health through smart home innovations. Experts also shared their predictions for the future of healthcare.

Smart Homes Are Rich

Homes are becoming increasingly smarter. According to a study released by CTA, about 19% of American households already own smart appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, dryers or dishwashers. Smart home technology has been applied to home lighting, curtains, irrigation and entertainment systems. Televisions are no exception, and companies such as Panasonic hope to transform them into core devices for smart home management.

ZDnet reported that televisions have regained their place at the center of innovation at this year's show. The eye-catching 100-inch giant screen TV will have more appearances at this year's show. A new generation of 100-inch TVs is coming to market, which are affordable and easy to carry.

Energy efficiency and automation are the leading trends in the smart home field, and consumers prefer products that save time and money while improving safety and overall well-being. At this year's CES, CTA analyzed how new technologies will improve residential security and how companies can win new customers.

Sustainable technology to address climate change

At this year's CES, many companies will discuss how technological innovation can improve some of the most valuable resources on the planet, such as clean air and water. Genesis Systems, a US company, hopes to produce fresh water from the air. Nubilab has created an AI-equipped food scanner to avoid food waste. Electric vehicle batteries and sustainability are among the priorities of some exhibitors.

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the climate emergency is the biggest economic, social and environmental threat facing the planet and humanity. CTA said that as calls to address climate change grow louder, technology companies are finding ways to provide solutions. Equipment that responds to this challenge will be showcased at the show, such as electric skid loaders, autonomous robots that can eliminate algae, and a starch-based plastic alternative.

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