CES, formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, has always been a playground for tech enthusiasts, offering a sneak peek into the future of innovation. As I stepped into CES this year, the air was buzzing with excitement, and the exhibition halls were brimming with cutting-edge technologies, and crowds that reportedly exceeded pre-pandemic levels. Here are my top observations that showcase this exciting glimpse into our future.

Beyond Self-Driving Cars: Autonomy in Unexpected Places

While self-driving cars have become a common theme at CES and this year certainly highlighted continued development, particularly in commercial trucking, 2024 revealed a different dimension of autonomy where technology doesn’t replace human activity, but rather augments it. Imagine a world where boats effortlessly dock themselves or trailers autonomously hook up to vehicles. This newfound autonomy is not just about convenience, it's about redefining how we navigate our lives. The prospect of self-docking boats and self-hookup trailers to name just two examples opens up a future where mundane – and sometimes dangerous – tasks become a thing of the past.

AI-Powered Language Translator: Breaking Language Barriers

One of the most awe-inspiring revelations at CES 2024 was a universal language translator, a testament to the expanding capabilities of artificial intelligence, even though many may remember Captain Kirk sporting such a device as he hopped across the universe decades ago. This device, powered by advanced AI algorithms, has the ability to break down language barriers in real-time. Whether you’re vacationing in a foreign country or doing business with someone in a different language, the AI translator ensures seamless communication. It's a game-changer for global connectivity, fostering understanding and collaboration across diverse cultures.

The Big Reveal: A New Air Taxi by Supernal

In the midst of the electrifying atmosphere at CES, one exciting revelation stole the spotlight and added an exhilarating dimension to the future of transportation – the Supernal Air Taxi. This entertaining reveal – reminiscent of the Bell Helicopter Air Taxi reveal in 2018 – marked a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of advanced air mobility. While there are a dozen or more air taxis already well into development and on the path to certification, the fact that a major industrial leader like Hyundai Motor Group, the parent of Supernal, has entered this market symbolizes the growing confidence in the feasibility of air taxis as a viable and efficient mode of transportation in our urban landscapes.

Wearable Tech Beyond Fitness: Autonomy in Personal Health

While fitness trackers and smartwatches have been around for a while, CES 2024 introduced a new era of wearable technology focused on personal health. Wearable health tech practically dominated one of the CES halls. Devices that monitor your vitals, analyze your daily activities, provide real-time insights into your overall well-being, and then communicate with your healthcare provider will soon be commonplace. These wearables go beyond counting steps; they act as personalized health companions, offering suggestions for better sleep, stress management, diet and weight control and overall lifestyle improvements. Autonomy in personal health coupled with AI is a powerful concept, putting individuals in control of their own well-being.

Managing Food Waste: AI-Powered Efficiency for Smarter Cities

One of my favorite AI technologies demonstrated at CES was a system that monitors food consumption in kitchens and at the dining table to optimize food purchase and preparation in order to reduce waste and costs. The system also analyzes leftover plate waste to identify customer food preferences and offer tailored solutions that again reduce waste but also increase customer satisfaction. This AI use case presents a valid, practical solution to one of our world’s biggest issues, food waste. I want to see this tech in use immediately in university cafeterias and big restaurant and fast food chains.

So, did I find a favorite new tech at CES? You bet I did. Check out the new RV named Pebble, an all-electric, solar-powered, travel trailer that parks itself, self-positions, autonomously attaches to your vehicle, and with active propulsion assist actually increases your mileage as you tow it down the highway. Fully charged it can operate for seven days off the grid. And the amenities and design are fabulous. Besides being really cool, this product is a great example of AI and autonomy put to use to make our lives better and safer.

CES 2024 was for me a thrilling journey into the future, showcasing the incredible strides made in autonomy and AI-driven innovations. From self-docking boats to language translators, the event highlighted the limitless possibilities that technology holds for making our lives better, easier, healthier, and safer. CES 2024 gave us a preview of a world where autonomy becomes synonymous with efficiency, convenience, and a brighter future for humanity.

PS: I also joined an Advanced Air Mobility thought leadership dinner with a dozen of the leading thinkers on the subject. We discussed passenger operations, infrastructure, drone deliveries, regulations, community engagement and more. It was a stimulating and thought-provoking conversation. One appetizer for you, “we solved that problem when we flew a helicopter on Mars”. How often have you heard that at the dinner table? More to come on that subject soon.

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