In early January, the renowned tech conference CES returned for 2026. CES 2026 welcomed the new year with an innovative insight into the technology of the future. Looking back at the conference, it’s apparent that one theme took centre stage: artificial intelligence (AI). We’ll explore how CES 2026 took a more compassionate approach to AI and evaluate how these commitments may become a reality.

Compassionate AI

It’s no surprise that AI was a central focus at CES 2026, but what’s notable is the compassionate approach taken towards it. Rather than focusing solely on smart features, companies leaned into a more empathetic vision: accessible AI that understands us, supports us, and blends seamlessly with everyday life.

AMD: AI Everywhere, For Everyone

At CES 2026, AMD shared an ambitious promise: “AI Everywhere, for Everyone”. Their showcase emphasised how AI is no longer confined to specialised hardware or industry-only spaces, and AMD committed to making AI even more accessible to everybody.

Currently, AMD offers a range of AI-infused technologies, including GPUs, processors, and adaptive computing solutions, providing powerful AI hardware capabilities for individuals and institutions alike. AMD also drives research and development towards AI with AMD Silo AI: an AI lab dedicated to cultivating human-centric, compassionate AI. 


LG: Affectionate Intelligence

LG originally pitched the concept of affectionate intelligence at CES during the 2025 conference. They continued to expand on this promise at CES 2026 with “affectionate intelligence in action”, taking an active approach to implementing compassionate AI.

During CES 2026, LG pitched the concept of a labour-free AI home with seamless connectivity among household appliances, vehicles, and entertainment systems to enhance daily life; from controlling your laundry remotely to using your voice to change TV channels. LG demonstrated this concept using CLOiD, the humanoid home robot, as a useful visualiser of what the future may hold. 


Although fully AI-powered homes aren’t yet a reality, LG has introduced affectionate intelligence to its TVs: with built-in chatbots, personalised voice recognition, AI search, and adaptation to household habits for tailored recommendations.  

AI for health 

Throughout CES 2026, the compassionate approach to AI extended to healthcare, across the show floor to conferences. From AI-enhanced smart scales to robotic animal companions for dementia patients, these technologies demonstrate how AI can support personal well-being.

On a broader scale, healthcare bodies worldwide are researching how AI can be used in healthcare. The World Health Organisation has identified numerous emerging uses of AI in healthcare, including cancer treatment, robot-assisted surgery, and drug development.

Final thoughts

CES 2026 made one thing clear: the future of AI is not just powerful—it’s compassionate. As AI becomes increasingly woven into the fabric of daily life, it’s inspiring to see how tech giants and healthcare bodies alike are prioritising a people-focused, caring approach to AI.