Special episode: McKinsey at CES 2026

Innovation in consumer electronics currently centers on the transition from artificial intelligence pilots to real-world scaling and system-wide integration. While AI models excel at inference, human leadership remains essential for setting aspirations, establishing ethical parameters, and driving "orthogonal" creativity that challenges standard assumptions. Practical applications now include quantum computing for drug discovery and surgical robots trained via Large Language Models. However, achieving value at scale requires a shift from "edge case" experiments to comprehensive ecosystem changes that address the high cost per token in advanced computing. In the mobility sector, autonomous vehicles are moving toward commercial deployment with more assertive, human-like driving capabilities. Future developments in robotics will likely focus on humanoid models featuring advanced tactile sensors and high-torque actuators, though establishing universal safety standards remains a critical, unsolved hurdle for the industry.