Physical AI took center stage at CES 2026, moving the conversation beyond just digital brains to vehicles that interact with the real world. In practice, this means cars that do not just analyze data, but actually make complex decisions on the go, driving themselves, avoiding obstacles, and even acting as personal assistants for owners.

Automakers like General Motors showed off prototypes where cars are more like mobile robots than traditional vehicles. These innovations depend on powerful chips, lidar and radar sensors, and generative AI, which is why tech leaders like Nvidia were more visible than legacy car brands this year. For UAE drivers, this hints at a future where cars will respond, act, and adapt on their own, offering a new level of convenience and safety that goes far beyond basic autopilot.

One of the biggest stories at CES 2026 was the rise of robotaxis. Companies like Zoox (Amazon), Waymo, Sony Honda Mobility, and China’s Geely all demonstrated self-driving shuttles and urban taxis. In Las Vegas, Zoox’s cars, built without steering wheels, were already picking up real passengers. This shows that fully autonomous city rides are not just a futuristic dream, but an expanding reality.

Meanwhile, traditional brands like BMW and Mercedes did show off new electric models, but the buzz was all about how automation will change city life. Even Hyundai wowed crowds with Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid robot, blurring the lines between vehicles, robots, and the logistics networks of tomorrow. It’s clear that the future of transport in the UAE will be shaped not just by electrification, but by how seamlessly cars, robots, and software all work together.