CES 2026: The Robots That Left a Lasting Impression

CES has long been a global showcase for robotics, and this year’s event once again lived up to that reputation. Alongside major announcements — including the production-ready debut of Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas — the exhibition floor was packed with machines designed to capture attention as much as demonstrate capability.

While showroom robots don’t always reflect the current reality of large-scale commercial deployment, they offer a compelling glimpse into where the industry may be headed. They also serve as powerful marketing tools, sparking curiosity and conversation among visitors. After spending considerable time exploring the robotics displays, several stood out for their creativity, ambition, and sheer spectacle.

Below are some of the most memorable robots encountered at CES.

A Ping-Pong-Playing Robot Takes the Table

With the movie Marty Supreme having been released just a month ago, it felt oddly fitting to encounter a table-tennis-playing robot at CES.

Chinese robotics firm Sharpa showcased a full-bodied robot capable of playing competitive ping pong against a human staff member. When observed, the robot was trailing its opponent 5–9, and while the match wasn’t particularly fast-paced, the demonstration was impressive in its own right.

As one Sharpa representative explained, the company’s core product is actually its robotic hand, with the humanoid robot making its CES debut specifically to highlight the hand’s dexterity. Even so, watching a robot return serves — however modestly — was enough to draw a steady crowd. As the observer noted, some human players might not fare much better.

Reference: Sharpa Robotics – Company materials and CES booth presentation

The Boxer: EngineAI’s Humanoid Fighters

One of the busiest areas on the show floor featured humanoid robots from Chinese company EngineAI, which is developing general-purpose humanoid machines. Branded as the T800 — a clear nod to the Terminator franchise — the robots were staged inside a mock boxing ring and styled as fighters.

Despite the setup, the bots never actually made contact. Instead, they engaged in awkward shadowboxing routines, moving unpredictably around the ring. At one point, a robot wandered straight into the audience, prompting laughter and applause. Another stumbled, fell face-first onto the floor, and remained there for a while before standing back up.

While this was far from a polished boxing match, the humanoid movements created an eerie realism that captivated onlookers. One observer summed up the moment perfectly, remarking: “That’s too much like Robocop.”

Reference: EngineAI – CES 2026 exhibit coverage

The Dancer: Unitree Keeps the Tradition Alive

Dancing robots have become a CES tradition, and 2026 was no exception. This year, the spotlight fell on robots from Unitree, a prominent Chinese robotics manufacturer.

Unitree has attracted attention in recent years, including scrutiny over alleged ties to the Chinese military. However, nothing of that nature was on display at CES. Instead, visitors were treated to synchronized dance routines and fluid movement demonstrations.

The company has made notable claims about its technology, including a humanoid robot that can reportedly run at speeds of up to 11 mph. On the show floor, however, the focus was firmly on entertainment — and the robots appeared more interested in showing off their dance moves than breaking speed records.

Reference: Unitree Robotics – Product announcements and CES demonstrations

The Retail Assistant: Galbot’s Convenience Store Demo

Another standout came from Galbot, a Chinese robotics firm focused on multi-modal large language models and general-purpose robotics.

Galbot transformed its booth into a small convenience store, where visitors could select items from a digital menu. Once an order was placed, the robot autonomously navigated the shelves and retrieved the chosen product. After selecting Sour Patch Kids, the robot efficiently located and delivered the box.

According to Galbot’s website, its robots are already deployed in real-world environments, including serving as assistants in Chinese pharmacies, offering a glimpse into how robotics and AI could reshape retail and service operations.

Reference: Galbot official website and CES booth demonstration

Folding Laundry: A Milestone in Robotics

For decades, folding laundry has been considered a benchmark challenge in commercial robotics. Handling soft, irregular objects like T-shirts requires a high degree of perception and precision.

That’s why the demonstration at Dyna Robotics drew significant interest. The company, which develops advanced manipulation models for automated tasks, showcased a pair of robotic arms folding laundry efficiently and stacking it neatly.

A Dyna representative revealed that the company has already formed partnerships with hotels, gyms, and factories, signaling real-world adoption.

One such partner is Monster Laundry in Sacramento, California. The business integrated Dyna’s folding system late last year and now describes itself as the “first laundry center in North America to debut a state-of-the-art robotic folding system from Dyna.”

Backing this momentum is strong investor confidence. In September, Dyna Robotics closed a $120 million Series A funding round, with participation from Nvidia’s NVentures, Amazon, LG, Salesforce, and Samsung.

Author: Din Kumar