CES 2023: when it starts and what to look out for

Annual consumer technology event will focus on pioneering innovations such as the metaverse, 5G, FoodTech, self-driving cars and NFTs

A person tries out bHaptic's wireless vest and gloves, which act as a wireless controller for virtual and augmented reality during the CES Unveiled Las Vegas exhibition at the 2023 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. EPA

An exhibitor demonstrates the OneThird avocado ripeness checker, a device that allows shoppers to scan an avocado in a store and find out when it is ready to eat. AP

The Skyted voice and sound absorbing device supports privacy during confidential calls by lowering the wearer's voice when they are on the phone. AP

L'Oreal's smart brow applicator uses augmented reality to help draw eyebrows on one's face. AP

The Y-Brush electric sonic toothbrush can clean teeth in 10 seconds. AP

The Nowatch has interchangeable watch faces, as well as a health tracker that measures stress, heart rate, sleep and movement. Getty

Shiftall's HaritoraX wireless full-body tracking device allows users to play VR games in the metaverse. Getty

Woongjin Thinkbig's ARpedia is a paper book that interacts with digital content and AR technology to give users a new reading experience. Getty

Roybi robots rely on artificial intelligence to provide a virtual learning system for children. AFP

The iMediSync iSyncWave is portable, wireless brain scanner. AP

The device can provide mental health screening and offer a predictive analysis of potential conditions in only 10 minutes. Bloomberg

Atmos Gear's inline electric skates have a remote control to speed up or slow down. AP

Meropy's SentiV autonomous agricultural robot can scan vegetation to detect weeds, pests and diseases using a unique wheel system that does not damage crops. AFP

The Bird Buddy smart feeder uses AI to send notifications when birds are feeding and also take pictures. AP

The I-Percut smart cover goes over a traditional punching bag and when connected to the company's mobile app, guides users in their training by measuring strength, reaction time, speed and the number of hits. AFP

The Bodyfriend Phantom Medical Care chair can massage users while playing songs to calm the mind when one is stressed. AFP

The Lifeaz portable defibrillator can be used at home to restore the normal heartbeat of someone who has had a cardiac arrest. AP

Univstellar's eQuinox 2 smart telescope is easy to set up and use, even if one has no previous knowledge of the night sky. Getty

Earable Neuroscience's Frenz AI-powered headband relies on proprietary algorithms to stimulate the brain through the use of personalised audio signals, helping users to focus, relax and sleep better. AFP

Prinker's digital device can print temporary tattoos. AP

A man tries out a snow bike made by Moonbike Motors. Bloomberg

SushiCraft's AR sushi-making game allows players to compete to make the best sushi using hand tracking to add sushi ingredients and rice. AP

The Consumer Electronics Show 2023 — one of the biggest technology trade fairs in the world — is taking place in Las Vegas, and global leaders in consumer electronics will take the opportunity to unveil groundbreaking innovations.

Like last year, CES 2023 will be a hybrid affair and organisers are aiming to reach pre-pandemic levels. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), which runs the annual show, will also live-stream select parts of the event, including keynote sessions.

When does it begin?

The event runs from from January 5-8 and organisers are expecting more than 100,000 people from more than 100 countries to attend. Last year, about 45,000 people attended the event in person.

The show floor — which will feature about 1,000 new exhibitors and one of the largest car shows — will be over two million square feet, almost 50 per cent bigger than last year’s event.

“We are thrilled with the show’s momentum … we will learn about emerging global economic trends, what’s next in health care, automotive, Web3, metaverse and see the nexus of technology for good,” said Gary Shapiro, president and chief executive of CTA.

“Tech advances are helping to solve the world’s greatest challenges, and CES 2023 will set the agenda for the year ahead.”

The theme for this year's CES is: “How technology is addressing the world’s biggest challenges.”

A Motional autonomous driving car at the CES 2023. Motional is a joint venture between Aptiv, a global automotive technology company, and Hyundai Motor. AFP

This year’s focus is on pioneering technology such as the metaverse, 5G, FoodTech, space technology, drones, self-driving cars, smart homes, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency and non-fungible tokens, or NFTs.

Here, The National takes a look at the 10 major trends at this year's extravaganza:

Digital health

The Covid-19 pandemic, which upended the global economy and shuttered many businesses, has shown that consumers want to take their health into their own hands.

CES 2023 is bringing even more digital health innovations and brands to the global stage, showing how rapidly this market is growing, CTA said. It will showcase advancements in digital therapeutics, mental wellness, women’s health technology and telemedicine.

CTA’s digital health studio will feature the latest in technology for diagnostic and treatment functions while highlighting the importance of remote connectivity for accessible healthcare.

An electronic roller-skating device by Rollkers is tested during the CES 2023 Unveiled event in Las Vegas. Bloomberg

Sustainability on top

Global brands such as Samsung, John Deere, Siemens and LG will show how innovation can conserve energy and increase power generation.

Through their latest products and technologies, they will emphasise creating sustainable agricultural systems, powering smart cities and supporting easy access to clean water.

Web3 and metaverse

For the first time, CES will have a dedicated metaverse area on the show floor. Exhibitors will showcase sensory technology that builds immersive, interactive digital worlds.

CoinDesk’s Web3 Studio will showcase the latest technologies in the fields of Web3, metaverse and blockchain.

Gaston LaChaize of Moonbikes Motors uses virtual-reality goggles as he sits on an electric snowbike during the CES Unveiled press event in Las Vegas. Reuters

Web3 is the next evolutionary step of the internet, with blockchain, decentralisation, openness and greater user utility among its core components.

Human security for all

The UN Trust Fund for Human Security, in partnership with CTA, will support the global campaign Human Security for All (HS4A) at CES.

With unprecedented global challenges, the HS4A campaign aims to promote collaboration and innovation across all industries and all countries to improve the human experience.

Cars and mobility

CES will feature global car launches and speeches from top executives from car makers such as BMW and Stellantis. It will also showcase the latest in self-driving technology, electric vehicles and personal mobility devices for land, air and sea.

“The automotive sector will be bigger than ever, making it one of the largest auto shows in the world with nearly 300 exhibitors,” CTA said in a statement.

HyperX’s new gaming gadgets

HyperX, the gaming peripherals team at HP, will be unveiling a series of new gadgets for the gaming and e-sports industry.

“CES is the perfect venue for HyperX to highlight our commitment to providing high-performance gaming products for all gamers … HyperX is bringing the latest products for gamers to enjoy with immersive and engaging gaming along with convenience and customisation,” said Daniel Kelley, global head of marketing at HyperX.

Microsoft Xbox video games are displayed during a media preview at CES 2023. AFP

LG to unveil its second-generation line-up

South Korean technology manufacturer LG will unveil its second-generation LG Signature home appliance line-up at the event.

The new products will include a refrigerator, a washer and dryer paired with LCD touch panels, an air conditioner, an air purifier and smart TVs.

The company will also unveil its first cordless stick vacuum cleaner that will offer steam-mopping functionality.

Fitness technology

In a world focused on human well-being, advances in wearable devices take fitness and daily activity to the next level.

CES will highlight how sensor technology, smart fabrics, cloud computing and flexible membranes are helping to boost activity and extend connectivity. It will show the latest developments in digital fitness that aim to make workouts and outdoor activities fun and more informative.

A user demonstrates Shiftall's full-body tracking device, including the mutalk bluetooth microphone over his mouth and FlipVR controllers, for playing VR in the metaverse during a press event at CES 2023. Getty

Visitors to the event can explore fitness tracking devices, smart fabrics for heart-rate monitoring and other solutions and products aimed at specific lifestyle markets.

Robotics and drones

CES aims to explore the intelligent, autonomous machines transforming everything from mobility and delivery to production and manufacturing.

Global businesses will show how robotics and drone technology have become instrumental to increasing safety, improving accuracy and reducing waste.

Smart cities

The CES smart cities domain represents the entire connected ecosystem that brings together technology, solutions, players and audiences.

A device by OneThird tests an avocado's ripeness during the CES Unveiled event in Las Vegas. Bloomberg

It will discover how future-forward cities are using technologies — such as Internet of Things, 5G connectivity, smart cars, AI and data analytics — to optimise operations, efficiently manage resources and improve the relationship between government and citizens.