The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the world’s largest tech event and a proving ground for breakthrough technologies, global innovators and digital leaders. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES is the only trade show that showcases the entire tech landscape in one event.

CES 2024 was held in Las Vegas between the 9th and 12th of January and showcased technological marvels, highlighting how far we’ve come in integrating advanced technology into our daily lives. From concept cars to AI-driven home assistants, the event was a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of innovation, with over 4,300 exhibitors and 135,000 individuals from 150 countries attending.

In attendance was IMI’s programme director for Digital Leadership, Tony Moroney. Tony shared his insights on the ground-breaking products and trends that caught his attention – and their leadership implications.

Futuristic Mobility: Cars and Motorcycles Reimagined

• Flying and Autonomous Cars: The concept cars at CES 2024 weren’t just about driving; they were about redefining mobility. With features like inbuilt generative AI and entertainment systems, these cars promise a future where travel is an experience.
• Motorcycles: The TS Ultra AI e-motorcycle is not just about speed but intelligence. Adaptive riding and 360-degree awareness represent a significant leap in motorcycle technology and safety.
• The concept of flying and autonomous intelligent vehicles, represents a paradigm shift in mobility. Leaders must adapt to the evolving landscape of smart transportation and cities, understanding the potential impact on industries and society. Developing leaders with the strategic vision to navigate these changes and harness the opportunities is critical.

The Magic of Holograms and Robots

• 3D holographic technology: Holoconnects 86” Screen is not just a display; it’s a window into a new dimension, offering an immersive experience like never before.
• Robots and Autonomous Industrial Machines: These aren’t your typical robots; they’re large-scale, autonomous, and capable of transforming industries.
• The magic of holograms, large-scale robots, and autonomous industrial machines calls for leaders who can grasp the transformative potential of these technologies. This includes fostering a culture of innovation and facilitating the integration of AI and robotics into existing workflows. Leaders must be equipped with the skills to envision and implement strategies that leverage these advancements effectively – or risk being left behind.

TVs: More Than Just Entertainment

• The new generation of TVs at CES 2024 are transparent, wireless, and boast 4K resolution. They’re not just devices; they’re pieces of art in their own right that can display your favourite artwork, virtual images or family photos.
• Leaders in the creative industries and beyond must foster a mindset that recognises the potential of technology not merely as a utility – but as a means of expression and communication. The convergence between art and technology is only beginning, but the possibilities are endless.

AI Advancements: From Personal Assistants to HealthTech

• Keyboards with Copilot Buttons: This innovation brings generative AI to your fingertips, revolutionising how we interact with our laptops and underpinning the move to incorporate generative AI in everything we do.
• Smart Home Assistants: Samsung Ballie is more than just a home assistant; it is a companion that learns from you to provide personalised services, from setting the mood for activities, including exercise, to managing home appliances.
• Cars with Integrated AI: Brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Bosch are integrating AI technologies, including ChatGPT and Alexa, into vehicles, enhancing the driving experience and connecting cars to our daily lives.
• HealthTech: AI is making significant strides in healthcare, offering smarter solutions for our well-being and assistance to those who need it.
• The seamless integration of AI into all aspects of life requires leaders who understand the ethical, societal and business implications. Digital leaders must navigate the complexities of AI adoption, ensuring responsible and inclusive practices while creating better experiences for customers and employees alike.

XR: The New Reality

• Augmented Reality Laptops: WiFi7-enabled devices that transform how we see the world, converting 2D into 3D.
• AR Glasses and Spatial Computing: Imagine looking at a street and having all the information you need right before your eyes. Or projecting multiple virtual screens from your laptop. That’s the promise of these new AR glasses and spatial computing tools.
• Industrial Metaverse: Companies like Sony and Siemens are creating systems for intuitive interaction with 3D objects, paving the way for a new product design and collaboration era.
• Augmented reality laptops, AR glasses, and spatial computing tools indicate a shift towards a new reality in the workplace. Leaders must prepare for the integration of XR technologies, fostering a workforce equipped with the skills needed for intuitive interaction with 3D objects and collaborative design in both enterprise and the industrial Metaverse.

The Future of Our Homes

• Smart Connected Everything: From AI Chefs and Baristas to in-house smokers and AI-powered grills, the future home is about convenience, personalisation, and efficiency.
• Innovative Kitchen Appliances: Imagine making homemade ice cream in two minutes or brewing beer as easily as coffee. These are not futuristic dreams; they’re realities showcased at CES 2024.
• The emphasis on smart-connected-everything and innovative appliances underscores the trend toward personalised and convenient living spaces. Leaders, especially those in the real estate, consumer goods and telco sectors, must understand and cater to the growing demand for intelligent, energy-efficient homes, potentially requiring a shift in traditional leadership approaches.

Making Life Easier and Healthier

• AI Assistants and Smart Devices: With innovations like Rabbit 1 and LG’s Zero Labour Home vision, AI assistants are becoming more dynamic, context-aware, and interactive.
• Health and Wellness Technologies: From AI mosquito repellent diffusers to smart haptic belts for the visually impaired, technology is making strides in enhancing our health and well-being.
• The integration of AI-powered devices and smart health solutions demands strategic leadership that goes beyond mere adoption. Healthcare and wellness leaders must chart a course that balances technological innovation with ethical considerations while placing patient well-being at the forefront. This may involve fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration, addressing data governance challenges, and investing in educational initiatives for healthcare professionals to navigate the evolving digital health landscape.

Pets: Our Furry Friends Get Tech-Savvy

• Smart Collars and Fitness Trackers: These devices are not just about tracking location; they’re about understanding and improving the health and happiness of our pets.

Summarising the Big Trends: Generative AI and IoT

• Generative AI / ChatGPT: This technology is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. Seamlessly integrated into our homes, workplaces, and mobility, it’s redefining how we interact with technology.
• IoT Devices: The proliferation of these devices makes integrating AI into our daily lives easier, promising a future where technology is not just a tool but a partner in our journey.
• The seamless integration of generative AI into all aspects of our lives and the proliferation of IoT devices allows digitally aware leaders to harness technology to underpin the achievement of their organisations strategic objectives. Leadership skills in sensemaking, strategic planning and technology integration are crucial to navigating this evolving landscape.

IMI explores these trends and impacts in its upcoming Digital Innovation and Digital Disruption and Transformation short programmes. By cultivating adaptive leadership, fostering innovation, and understanding the strategic implications of emerging technologies on industries and organisations, this programme aims to equip leaders with the skills and knowledge required to lead their organisations successfully through digital transformation while gaining from disruption.

Digital Innovation begins 19 March 2024. Click here for more information.