If CES 2026 has one defining message, it is that artificial intelligence is finally breaking out of the chatbot box and entering the physical world. As the massive consumer electronics expo wraps up in Las Vegas this week, the buzz isn't just about faster chips or brighter screens—it's about Physical AI. From LEGO's revolutionary smart bricks that bring Star Wars battles to life without a screen, to furry cyber pets that radiate body heat, the CES 2026 highlights paint a future where technology feels more tangible, interactive, and surprisingly human.

LEGO Smart Play: A "Galaxy Far, Far Away" Comes to Life

In what the company calls its most significant innovation since the minifigure debuted in 1978, the LEGO Group stole the show with the reveal of its LEGO Smart Play Star Wars system. Moving away from the "app-connected" toys of the past, this new ecosystem is refreshingly screen-free, relying instead on intelligent hardware embedded directly into the bricks.

At the heart of the system is the new "Smart Brick," a standard-sized piece packed with sensors, a speaker, and a rechargeable battery. When paired with new "Smart Minifigures" and "Smart Tags," the sets react to how you play. During a demo on the show floor, the Throne Room Duel & A-wing set (Model 75427) erupted with the sound of clashing lightsabers as figures were moved, while the Emperor’s throne played the Imperial March when he was seated. It’s a tactile, magical experience that keeps kids focused on the build, not a tablet.

Launch Details and Pricing

The first wave hits shelves on March 1, 2026, with pre-orders already open. Three sets were announced:

  • Luke's Red Five X-wing (75423): Features engine roar effects and R2-D2 interactions ($99.99).
  • Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (75421): Includes a smart Vader minifigure with breathing sound effects ($69.99).
  • Throne Room Duel (75427): The flagship set with complex interaction scenarios ($159.99).

LG Wallpaper TV 2026: The 9mm Miracle Returns

While robotics drew crowds, LG reminded everyone why they are the kings of OLED. After a six-year hiatus, the iconic "Wallpaper" design is back. The new LG Wallpaper TV 2026 (Model OLED evo W6) is a stunning feat of engineering, measuring just 9mm thick. Unlike its predecessors, this isn't just a panel glued to a wall; it's a fully wireless system.

The W6 utilizes LG's new "Zero Connect Box," which beams 4K video and audio to the screen from up to 10 meters away, eliminating the need for unsightly cables dangling from your wall. The display itself is brighter than ever, boasting the new Hyper Radiant Color Technology, which LG claims delivers 20% higher brightness and a 15% wider color gamut than previous evo models.

Gamers haven't been forgotten, either. The panel supports a blistering 165Hz refresh rate, making it one of the fastest OLED TVs on the market. Available in 77-inch and 83-inch sizes, it transforms the television from an appliance into a piece of digital art that sits flush against your living room wall.

The Rise of Cyber Pets and Emotional Robots

Perhaps the most endearing trend of CES Las Vegas announcements was the explosion of "cyber pets" designed for emotional companionship rather than utility. Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, set the stage by declaring that the "ChatGPT moment for Physical AI is here," showcasing robots that learn and move through physical space using advanced foundation models.

Japanese startup Ludens AI captured hearts with Cocomo, a wheeled, teddy-bear-like robot that doesn't speak but hums and coos. Its standout feature? It maintains a body temperature of 37°C (98.6°F), making it feel warm and alive when held. Unlike smart assistants that wait for commands, Cocomo follows its owner autonomously, offering a silent, comforting presence.

Meanwhile, another crowd favorite was OlloNi by Ollobot, a purple, plush-robot hybrid with expressive digital eyes. It uses facial recognition to gauge your mood and reacts with thousands of unique animations, from joyous wiggles to empathetic gazes. These cyber pets robots signal a shift in tech: we no longer just want machines that work for us; we want machines that live with us.

A New Era of Tangible Tech

As the curtains close on CES 2026, the industry seems to be taking a collective breath. The frantic race for more pixels and faster processors continues, but it's being joined by a desire for technology that feels real. Whether it's the warmth of a robotic pet, the click of a smart LEGO brick, or a TV that blends seamlessly into your home's architecture, the future of tech is becoming increasingly physical.