TL;DR: I Explored Quirky Robots at CES 2026 , Here’s What Entrepreneurs Should Learn
CES 2026 showcased futuristic robots that blend utility, entertainment, and innovation, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in robotics. From Unitree's dancing speed bots to LG's multitasking CLOiD, these machines revealed emerging trends in automation and user-friendly solutions.
• Practical Value Matters: Focus on real-world applications, like Dyna Robotics’ Laundry Bot already leveraged by businesses.
• Cost vs Scale: Technologies like LG’s CLOiD highlight the challenge of balancing affordability with mass production.
• Tailored Interaction Wins: Human-like design and emotional appeal, as seen in robots like Onero H1, boost market attractiveness.
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I Met a Lot of Weird Robots at CES , Here Are the Most Memorable
Attending CES 2026 felt like stepping into a quirky sci-fi film filled with robots that danced, cooked, and even messed up a bit , just like us humans. As a serial entrepreneur immersed in technology and innovation, the experience left me equal parts amused, bewildered, and inspired. This year’s robotics showcase was buzzing with creativity and ambition, but amidst the sea of gadgets, a few peculiar bots stood out. Let’s break down some of the most memorable robots and explore what they mean for entrepreneurs like us eyeing the robotics landscape for opportunities.
What Were the Most Memorable Robots at CES 2026?
The weird robots at CES 2026 weren’t just about entertainment. Each bot brought unique capabilities to the table, hinting at the future of automation, service delivery, and customer experience. Below are the ones that left a lasting impression.
- Unitree’s Dancing Robots: These agile humanoid robots boasted not just sleek moves but also the ability to run at speeds of up to 11 mph. While their groove was the highlight, Unitree’s underlying technology makes these bots potentially ideal for industries that require both precision and speed.
- LG’s CLOiD: Marketed as the ultimate home assistant, CLOiD showcased tasks like folding laundry, fetching drinks, and even retrieving keys. Though the demo was slow, the concept of a multifunctional home robot feels increasingly attainable for households seeking “zero labor” solutions.
- EngineAI’s Ping Pong Player: This robot was more than entertainment; it demonstrated advanced dexterity and movement algorithms critical for physical interactions. Aside from playing table tennis (and losing 5-9), its performance pointed to future applications in training and gaming environments.
- Dyna Robotics’ Laundry Bot: Dyna’s fold-flat robot arms showed remarkable precision in folding clothes , a task notoriously difficult for robotic automation. This might not seem groundbreaking, but their client, Monster Laundry, already integrates them in real-world use, cementing the bot’s utility.
- Switchbot’s Onero H1: Often described as a “walking Swiss Army knife,” this bot handled chore-like tasks such as picking up clothes and loading a washing machine. Its semi-realistic price point makes it more probable we will encounter these in actual homes within the next year.
Why Do These Bots Matter for Entrepreneurs?
As ecosystems evolve, robotics isn’t just about spectacle; it’s about solving practical problems. Industry insiders, investors, and startup founders can gain strategic insights by observing what these robots reveal about trends and gaps in the market:
- Low-Cost Automation Emerges: Unitree’s robots hint that robust tech like running humanoids is becoming affordable, a cue for startups to rethink pricing when introducing cutting-edge products.
- Robots as B2B Solutions: Companies like Dyna Robotics are proof robots succeed when integrated smoothly into existing businesses. B2B entrepreneurs can capitalize on automation-to-service niche markets.
- Plug-and-Play vs. Customization: LG’s home robot CLOiD demonstrates the tension between creating a tailored product (user-specific) and a general-purpose assistant. Entrepreneurs can focus on pinpointing which approach aligns more with current unmet user demands.
What Should Entrepreneurs Consider Before Entering Robotics?
Robotics is alluring , it’s shiny, innovative, and grabs headlines. However, for founders looking to develop products or services in this space, certain considerations urgently matter:
- Focus on Utility: Many of the robots at CES dazzled crowds, but only a few like Dyna’s Laundry Bot showcased immediate functional value that businesses could justify paying for. Startups must prioritize solving actual user pain points.
- Scalability Struggles: Note how LG hasn’t committed to mass-producing CLOiD due to scalability challenges. Before scaling, assess unit economics, manufacturing constraints, and demand forecasts.
- Diversification of Markets: Many robots originate in Asia, but their creators are targeting broader international audiences. Can your product adapt globally without heavy customization? Building for cross-border distribution can determine success.
Consider also that weirdness sells. Spectacle brings visibility, paving the way for market interest. Just remember that it should always anchor itself to a sustainable business model.
How Can Robotics Startups Differentiate in 2026?
If you’re a budding entrepreneur or startup in the robotics space, differentiation is no longer about technological gimmicks , the market expects more. Instead, you can stand out by embracing these strategies:
- Solve for Inefficiencies: Robots that make life meaningfully easier will drive demand (think laborious household or business tasks).
- Prioritize Long-Term Value: Plan for profitability beyond the novelty phase. Diversify applications for a robot so it stays relevant.
- Humanize Interaction: Bots like OlloNi at CES showed how blending emotional design (e.g., robots that mimic human behavior) can add brand allure.
- Collaborate Across Ecosystems: Partnerships, like NVIDIA-backed robotics, show the synergy between AI, hardware, and cloud platforms is where opportunity expands next.
Finally, embed feedback loops in your workflow. CES bots, despite all their achievements, were prototypes full of flaws. Give your market entry products room to fail fast.
What’s Next for Robotics and Startups?
CES 2026 serves as a vibrant reminder: robotics is evolving from experimental into tangible solutions. Companies expanding robotics beyond pure tech into sustainable, scalable solutions will dominate the next decade. Whether it’s home automation, health, or enterprise partnerships, the sector’s growth is ripe for innovative thinking.
For founders drawn to this field, CES is more than just a showcase , it’s an inspiration hub urging you to define the future. Will your robot dance, solve complex issues, or do both?
Interested in tapping into the robotics space or just want some entrepreneurial advice? Stay connected , the era of innovation is happening now, and we entrepreneurs are at its forefront.
FAQ on Robots at CES 2026
What were the standout robots at CES 2026?
The standout robots at CES 2026 were Unitree's dancing humanoids, LG's CLOiD home assistant, and Switchbot's Onero H1. Unitree's robots showed agility and speed, running at up to 11 mph, while LG's CLOiD demonstrated multifunctionality in folding laundry and fetching drinks. Meanwhile, Onero H1 impressed viewers with its semi-realistic price point and chore-handling capabilities, hinting at near-future applications in households. Learn more about Female Founder Trends Leading in AI & Robotics | Explore Unitree Dancing Robots.
How did robotics impact entrepreneurs at CES 2026?
CES 2026 showcased how robotics are shifting from spectacle to solving practical problems. Entrepreneurs noted trends such as low-cost automation (Unitree bots' affordability), B2B robotic solutions (Dyna Robotics in laundromats), and the customization challenge (LG CLOiD vs. generic robots). These insights emphasized strategic gaps in the market ripe for innovation. Learn more about Startup Success in Robotics | Check out Dyna Robotics Source.
Were any robots ready for real-world use?
Although ideas like LG’s CLOiD remain conceptual, Dyna Robotics' Laundry Bot has already been deployed successfully at Monster Laundry in Sacramento. This integration highlights robotics' growing utility in B2B markets. Explore Real-World Robotics Applications | Check the Dyna Robotics Release.
What were some unusual robots unveiled?
EngineAI’s Ping Pong robot stole the stage with its advanced dexterity but struggled in game performance. LG’s CLOiD captured attention with a slower yet multifunctional demo involving household chores. However, the dancing humanoids from Unitree added flair, showcasing fun and robust movement patterns. Learn about Quirky Tech from CES | Check Engadget CES Showcase.
How should startups approach robotics after CES 2026?
Robotics startups should aim to solve inefficiencies (e.g., household chores), focus on scalable solutions, and develop human-like interactions for emotional branding. Partnerships, similar to NVIDIA-backed robotics in automation, help unlock ecosystem advantages. Explore the Startup Accelerator Advantage | Read CES 2026 Insights for Startups.
What were some trends observed at CES for marketing robots?
At CES 2026, humanoid robots like EngineAI’s boxing bots gathered crowds, leveraging their entertaining yet advanced movements as a marketing hook. On the other hand, practical demos like Dyna Robotics’ Laundry Bot showed real-world feasibility but less public spectacle. Read Female Founder Marketing Trends | Discover CES Exhibitions.
How can robotics startups focus on global scalability?
Robotics seen at CES often face scalability issues, such as LG CLOiD’s uncertain plans for mass production. Startups should consider cross-border customization, minimal operational costs, and partnerships for international adaptability. Learn about Startup Momentum | Check Asia's Robotics Acceleration.
What are the funding sources for robotics startups?
Funding plays a critical role in robotics innovation. At CES 2026, startups like Dyna Robotics showed how support from Nvidia’s NVentures could cement industry credibility. Investors prefer technologies with real-world applications to maximize ROI. Explore Startup Resources | Find Dyna Investor Details.
How is AI enhancing robot capabilities?
AI-powered features extend robotics beyond 2026, EngineAI’s robots incorporated dexterity-based algorithms, while Realbotix introduced emotional interaction via facial expression tracking. Such developments point to robots evolving from mechanics into responsive systems. Discover AI Founder Leadership | Learn Realbotix At CES.
What sectors may benefit most from robotics by 2026?
CES revealed potential sectors include home automation (LG CLOiD), physical training (EngineAI Ping Pong), and hospitality (Dyna Laundry Bots). Robotics is rapidly penetrating industry niches ripe for automated solutions. Explore Winning Robotics Sectors | Read about Robotics Foundry Efforts.
About the Author
Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. Throughout her startup experience she has applied for multiple startup grants at the EU level, in the Netherlands and Malta, and her startups received quite a few of those. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.
Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).
She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the “gamepreneurship” methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond, launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks and is building MELA AI to help local restaurants in Malta get more visibility online.
For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the point of view of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.