The author reflects on their 15 years of attending the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), noting the blurred memories of earlier shows contrasted with the fresh perspective gained after an 11-year hiatus. Initial experiences were marked by a lack of direction, navigating the show armed with borrowed cameras, work-issued BlackBerrys, and impractical footwear. The absence of ride-sharing services and the long waits for taxis, coupled with the now-bygone spectacle of live lions at the MGM Grand, paint a picture of a vastly different CES landscape. The return to CES 2025 offered a chance to re-evaluate the event with a renewed sense of purpose, focusing on exploring the show floor and discovering innovative technologies rather than adhering to a strict schedule of meetings.
The West Hall, a new addition since the author’s last visit, provided a surprising encounter with an array of large-scale machinery, including autonomous dump trucks, garbage trucks, and electric fire trucks. This unexpected discovery diverted their attention from the main exhibition halls and highlighted the evolving nature of CES, showcasing technologies beyond traditional consumer electronics. The prevalence of robots, both physical and AI-driven, emerged as a dominant theme at CES 2025. While robots have been a recurring presence at the show, this year’s iterations seemed more functional, albeit with varying degrees of reliability. From robots designed for household tasks like picking up socks to those offering companionship, the focus shifted towards practical applications, although concerns about their durability and potential mishaps remained.
Navigating the crowded venue and the city of Las Vegas continued to be a challenge, despite advancements in transportation technology. Walking remained the most efficient mode of transport between venues, with ride-sharing services hampered by long wait times and traffic congestion. A brief experience with the Vegas Loop offered a futuristic glimpse of underground transportation, but the overall transportation infrastructure still presented significant logistical hurdles. The author also observed the unchanging aspects of Las Vegas, the persistent presence of street promoters and the familiar sights and sounds of the city’s tourist attractions. The newly constructed Sphere, however, dominated the landscape, its imposing presence demanding attention.
The Sphere served as a dramatic venue for Delta’s keynote presentation, utilizing its immersive screen and sensory effects to create a captivating experience. Simulations of airplane takeoffs and landings, complete with wind and rumbling seats, combined with unexpected sensory elements like the scent of hazelnut coffee, showcased the potential of the venue to create truly immersive experiences. The highlight of the presentation was a stunning 3D illusion of Earth as a giant glass orb, a moment that finally delivered the awe-inspiring 3D experience that had eluded the author in previous years.
This year’s CES underscored the theatrical nature of the event, its carefully orchestrated presentations designed to evoke a sense of wonder and excitement. The author draws parallels between CES and a Las Vegas show, highlighting the elements of illusion and spectacle, from the staged demonstrations of “autonomous” robots to the concept cars that rarely make it to market. The author acknowledges the ephemeral nature of these experiences, recognizing that the details will fade over time.
However, the overall impression of wonder and the reaffirmation of the show’s ability to inspire, even for a seasoned attendee, remained a lasting takeaway. Despite the hype and the inevitable fading of specific details, the core experience of CES 2025, with its emphasis on innovation and its ability to generate a sense of wonder, resonated deeply with the author, offering a renewed appreciation for the show’s enduring appeal. The author concludes with a touch of skepticism about the feasibility of some of the more ambitious concepts showcased, maintaining a realistic perspective amidst the excitement and spectacle of the event.
