As robots ride the AI wave, automotive players want in

The robotics sector is evolving rapidly in the wake of AI advancements, reshaping factory operations as well as day-to-day consumer interactions. Not surprisingly, it was a huge focus at CES 2026, where everything from an emotional support robot to a robot barista were on display. Of particular note was the intersect with automotive, not just in terms of manufacturing deployments but also as potential new revenue streams. The common foundation is Physical AI, which refers to systems that learn from sensor data to make decisions and take action.