3 Min Read
The latest trends in society and culture from The Harris Poll
Good afternoon from Las Vegas. This year, AI has delivered more meaningful, high-utility/real-life solutions, from dementia-detection robot dogs to longevity-scanning mirrors. Here’s what tech and trends caught our attention…
AI Robotics That Work and Snuggle
The robots are back, but they’re far more helpful and even furry. Jennie from Tombot will be the first FDA-cleared medical device for dementia detection and remote monitoring. Founder Tom Stevens was inspired by the difficult decision to remove his mother’s dog from her house for safety (she suffers from Alzheimer’s). Watch his interview here. Solutions like Jennie emerge when over two-thirds of Americans (69%) we polled needed more emotional support in the past year than they received.
There are also AI-powered robotic pool cleaners, like SPINO S1 and LG CLOiD, that handle everyday household tasks.
Widemount Dynamics launched an intelligent firefighting robot that can navigate smoke-filled environments without GPS or vision. At the same time, Roborock’s Saros Rover robot not only climbs the stairs but also cleans them. Good, since one in five Gen Z would outsource shopping for “common household goods” to personalized AI agents (21% vs. the general pop: 12%).
Health and Longevity Sensors Abound
Eight in ten (83%) Americans want innovations to help them stay healthier. At the same time, fewer physicians believe AI is overhyped for health benefits than in the previous year (27% vs 40%), according to our study with Athenahealth. Key to this are health trackers embedded with AI.
NuraLogix Corporation’s Longevity Smart Mirror reflects your image to assess your metabolic balance, cardiovascular resilience, stress, and other factors in 30 seconds.
Withings’ Body Scan 2 is more than a scale; it assesses over 60 biomarkers and includes a “longevity assessment”. Good timing: two-thirds (69%) would pay to know their biological age.
And toilets now do more than flush. TrueLoo optimally scans waste to detect abnormalities requiring medical attention. See our floor tour video and the TrueLoo interview with my colleague Christie Bishop below.
The Harris Poll on the floor at CES 2026.
AI For Convenience
In today’s busy lives, many people prioritize convenience: 63% of Gen Z would rather use a single AI platform than manage multiple sites and apps separately. Here are some time- and effort-savers.
Eyebot is a fast optical prescription platform and frame-delivery company that will bring eyeglasses to you in a single visit. Naqi Neural earbuds enable hands-free device control via AI readings of head movement.
CHiQ VR Skiing Challenge to hit the virtual slopes at CES 2026 alongside their AI-powered smart home appliances – showing you’re never too old to play: 81% of Americans report needing more time to be playful, and 84% of kids 8 to 12 want to escape phones to live IRL.
Heritage Brands Bring New Tech
Many well-established companies brought their A(I) game to Vegas. The AARP AgeTech exhibit stood out for its range of partners, including smart shoes, safety oven sensors, and other protective tech for healthy aging.
Klipsch Group Inc., which pioneered hi-fi stereo speakers eight decades ago, has exciting new AI audio tech to make every moment sound more alive. And Oshkosh Corporation introduced HARR-E, the first autonomous electric refuse-collection robot.
I wish we had more time to spend on the floor, but client meetings await.
