During the week of 9-12 January, the CES (Consumer Electronics Show), was held in Las Vegas, one of the world’s most prestigious trade fairs dedicated to consumer technology, where companies present their latest products and technologies.

As expected, AI continues to be everywhere at the show, whether it be generative AI or the more general AI that has been around for years, AI has played a predominant role, and it was the protagonist of many of the innovations presented. In a short time, some of these products that have real-world value will make it to the shops, while others may still seem a bit far-fetched. We will talk about them in this post.

Image of a website with designs created with artificial intelligence.

Brands that have presented innovations or future projects related to Artificial Intelligence

Walmart. New options for large shopping areas.

It introduced two new tools developed by combining Microsoft’s AI models with Walmart’s shopper data:

  • New search functions: helping shoppers to quickly search for products using specific use cases rather than by brand or item.
  • New replenishment functions: “Walmart InHome Replenishment” will help shoppers using its subscription-based InHome delivery service to quickly fill online shopping carts with commonly ordered items.

More information here:

Amazon and artificial intelligence. New features for Alexa.

It announced significant advances in generative AI for its Alexa platform, including new LLM-powered experiences developed by Character.AI, Splash and Volley.

  • Character.AI: allows Alexa users to have real-time conversations with different people, such as fictional characters (personal trainer) or even fictional versions of historical figures like Socrates.
  • Splash: it allows users to create songs using their voice.
  • Volley introduces the AI-powered “20 questions” game. The game uses GAI to interact with users by asking them questions, giving them hints and explaining ‘yes or no questions’ if the human opponent gets stuck.

Amazon has also enhanced Alexa’s AI capabilities to exhibit more human-like emotions and responses. Other updates from Amazon include Fire TV integration on Panasonic smart TVs, Matter Casting support for Fire TV and Echo Show 15, and progress on the Zoox robotaxi. More information here:

Samsung’s Artificial Intelligence applications

  • New smart home features: It announced a number of new capabilities for its SmartThings home automation platform. More information here: Samsung’s new smart home features include household maps with ‘AI characters’ | TechCrunch.
  • New in-dash display, Now Plus (selected Samsung TVs) programmed to turn on as smart home devices approach it and collects data such as current indoor temperature. It also includes a new “quick panel” with shortcuts to control connected devices, as well as functions such as finding lost smartphones and other mobile devices.
  • New “map view” for SmartThings that shows an interactive map of the home with the location of any smart home devices (e.g. washing machines, refrigerators, etc.) inside. The new maps show “AI characters” representing family members and pets within the house. The animated avatars “respond” to conditions in real time, for example, they appear to sweat if the house gets too hot.
  • New line of Bespoke Jet Bot Combo™ advanced AI vacuum cleaners: the most notable improvement is that the AI object recognition can also recognise gaps and stains to provide a better cleaning experience. It also recognises the type of floor it encounters – along with the length of the carpet – and adjusts its settings. Samsung’s robot hoover and mop, Bespoke Jet Bot Combo.
  • Smart Fridge: it is also investing in AI kitchen appliances, but the most prominent is the Bespoke Flex 4-door fridge with its AI Family Hub. A smart camera records what food people put in and take out of the fridge, both packaged and fresh. (the device can identify 33 different fresh kinds of food, according to Samsung). The fridge sends alerts when food is approaching its expiry date and warns when the water filter needs to be replaced.
  • Robot Ballie: the personal assistant robot has been updated with a new design, integrated projector and AI functions. The robot can act as an AI pet at home, even walk and approach you when called. It also includes a projector that, according to Samsung, can automatically detect the posture and facial angle of the people in the room, allowing it to adjust the projection angle accordingly. A Day in the Life With Ballie: An AI Companion Robot for the Home – Samsung US Newsroom.

A smart home: LG’s artificial intelligence approach

LG introduced its AI agent for the smart home: it leverages AI, autonomous mobility and conversational services to deliver smarter living in the home. It autonomously roams the house when no one is home, moving from room to room and sending notifications to the user’s smartphone if it finds an open window or a light on.

It can also help conserve energy by connecting to a smart outlet and turning off unused devices throughout the home. When the user returns home, the AI agent greets them at the front door, detects their emotions by analysing their voice and facial expressions and selects music or other content that suits their mood.

It also helps users in their daily lives by providing transport details, weather updates, personal schedules or reminders to take medication. LG ushers in ‘Zero Labour Home’ with AI agent for the smart home at CES 2024 | LG NEWSROOM (lgnewsroom.com).

Generative AI and the transport sector

Generative artificial intelligence has played an important role in the transport sector, especially in the evolution of software-defined vehicles and in the development of more advanced and personalised transport systems. Personalised vehicle experiences, active and passive safety, more efficient and sustainable designs… Featuring:

  • Volkswagen: Introduced vehicles with a voice assistant that integrates ChatGPT technology. Among the first vehicles to support ChatGPT natively will be VW’s electric ID 4 and ID 3; the upcoming ID 7 and ID 5 electric vehicles; and the combustion-powered Tiguan, Passat and Golf. VW is using ChatGPT to enhance its in-car voice assistant IDA and enable more natural communication between the car and the driver, who will be able to use the new voice assistant to control basic functions, such as heating and air conditioning, or to answer general knowledge questions. Volkswagen says it’s putting ChatGPT in its cars for ‘enriching conversations’ – The Verge. ChatGPT Arriving in Volkswagen EVs Later This Year – CNET.
  • Amazon and BMW have announced a collaboration to create a personalised artificial intelligence chat using Alexa as a backbone; bringing together an LLM with Alexa and the vehicle’s actual driver’s handbook. The end result? The driver can ask the chatbot with Alexa anything about his car and receive accurate information in real time. You can ask for some functions, such as the parking assistance system, and get conversational answers. Both companies suggest that this voice technology will “eliminate complexity and minimise distractions in the car”. Amazon and BMW are replacing the driver’s manual with AI (engadget.com).

Advances in the field of show business, actors and dubbing actors

After the emergence of this new technology, the world of show business was particularly affected by the possibility of creating dubbing with artificial intelligence. As a consequence, over time, some agreements have been announced to solve this problem such as the AI Voice Agreement between SAG-AFTRA and Replica.

The Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the world’s largest union representing voice artists, and Replica Studios, an AI voice technology company, signed an agreement that will pay voice actors to license digital replicas of their voices for use in video games.

This is the first time a group like SAG-AFTRA has attempted to codify consent and compensation for AI replications of artists’ voices.

New gadgets

  • Rabbit introduces R1: a standalone mobile device that runs on an AI-powered “big action model”. It comes with a touch screen, push-to-talk button, analogue scroll wheel, microphones, speakers, rotating camera, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and a SIM card slot. When asked various questions by the user, the device responds with voice, along with text and images on the screen. It also integrates with apps such as Spotify and Uber, allowing you to play a song or order a taxi. The computer vision-enabled camera allows users to do things like generate a recipe based on what they see in their fridge or edit documents when they point the device’s camera at their laptop. Can a striking design set rabbit’s r1 pocket AI apart from a gaggle of virtual assistants? | TechCrunch
  • New AI-powered facial recognition system capable of reading vital signs: The face and facial part monitoring system, which won a CES 2024 Innovation Award in AI, works through a smartphone. The user launches the system and looks into the camera. From that point, the image-recognition AI technology takes as little as 10-60 seconds to analyse pupil movements and facial patterns to make various measurements, such as pulse rate, oxygen levels and respiratory rate. CES: New AI-powered facial recognition system reads vital signs | Astro Awani.
  • Whispp: AI-powered voice device that allows people with speech disabilities to speak with ease. It garnered attention for giving a voice to those who struggle to speak due to conditions such as throat cancer. Its technology synthesises whispers into clear speech, using speech recognition models adapted to whispers and affected speech. This breakthrough is not only innovative for people with speech problems, but also offers new possibilities for stutterers, as whispering can significantly reduce their stuttering. Assistive Voice Technology – Whispp.
  • Timekettle X1 Interpreter Hub – Two-way simultaneous interpretation: uses AI to translate 40 languages in real time, simply by placing a headset on each participant in the conversation, allowing speakers of different languages to converse seamlessly. AI X1 Interpreter Centre (timekettle.co).
  • ElliQ, a voice-operated, AI-enabled companion robot for the care, and alleviation of loneliness and isolation of elderly people. It is designed to proactively initiate conversations with its users or suggest potential activities such as physical exercise, trivia games or informative discussions on nutrition, to name a few. It can do practical things like remind people to take medication and do health checks, while tracking health metrics such as sleep, mood and pain. CES 2024: ElliQ companion robot is upgraded with generative AI (fiercehealthcare.com)
  • Holobox (human-sized hologram box):  AI-powered communication device that allows you to project a whole person from anywhere in the world. Multiple applications for long-distance conferences, advertising, hotel reception, etc. Holoconnects.
  • Motion Pillow: It senses when a user is snoring and adjusts the pillow to allow more airflow to reduce snoring. Motion Pillow :: motion system & motion pillow, motion sleep.
  • Bmind AI: smart mirror that uses AI to help identify mood and manage stress. It works with GAI and claims to be able to determine your mood and, in turn, offer affirmations, images and more to improve it. Innovative IoT Solutions | Baracoda.
  • Lighting with Lepro AI: Lepro’s innovative AI algorithm transforms lighting into a more intelligent and intuitive experience. Advanced technology enables generative lighting effects through voice commands and photos, setting new standards in the ambient lighting industry. It stands out by recommending lighting effects based on the user’s emotions, commands and scenes, providing a personalised home lighting solution. CES Lepro AI.
  • Minitailz: advanced GPS and pet health tracker. Awarded at CES for best innovation in the AI category, the device brings peace of mind by revealing information about your pet’s health and detecting early changes before serious problems arise. Invoxia – Pet care, Invoxia has a new smart collar suitable for both cats and dogs | TechCrunch.
  • China-based Mojie demonstrated augmented reality glasses made of plastic lenses that connect to a smartphone. The glasses included an option that allows the user to press a button on the frames to activate ChatGPT and display answers to queries in their field of vision.
  • Louise: an AI that helps you have babies. An AI-powered health platform that helps people optimise their fertility and increase their chances of conception. Louise / fertility for all.
  • Glüxkind Pink – pram that rocks automatically: Rosa is not just a pram. It is an AI-powered companion that offers stress-free mobility and adaptive safety features: from automatic braking to the provision of soothing white noise. Glüxkind wins CES Innovation Award — glüxkind (gluxkind.com)

Introducing the first “smart grill”. AI has come to the “barbecue world”

Finally, and to close with a novelty that some may consider more “peculiar”, the world’s first AI-powered grill that cooks meats in two minutes has been announced.

After extensive research by its founders and engineers, SEERGRILLS created Perfecta, an AI grill that claims to be the world’s smartest outdoor grill on the market. It combines custom preferences set by cooks in the Seergrills app with sensor data readings to control the grill’s burner system.

After each meal, users can rate their meals in the app, creating data that will train the AI and improve cooking in the future. CES The world’s first AI-powered grill cooks steak and meat in just two minutes | T3.

While some of these advances may seem futuristic, the truth is that AI is already present in our everyday lives and its impact will only grow in the coming years. It is crucial that we familiarise ourselves with this technology and understand the benefits of artificial intelligence so that we can harness it responsibly and ethically.