CES 2025
My takeaways from my 2025 CES
CES: The Electric Car Show
With the surge in electric vehicles, the rise of autonomous driving systems (SDVs), and the massive entry of Chinese manufacturers into the market, the Westgate felt very much like an electric car exhibition. Cars galore, trucks, trailers, RVs, drones, bicycles, scooters — mobility took center stage at CES. I was struck by the number and quality of projects presented by new Chinese manufacturers, whose vehicles could rival the premium offerings of traditional Western automakers. Interestingly, Western manufacturers were largely absent from the exhibition, with only a few exceptions.
I was also impressed by the number of autonomous vehicle projects, with no visible European initiatives, while several were already in production in the United States. Waymo in San Francisco is the most well-known, but many other projects are operational on the roads of SF and Las Vegas.
Lidar Everywhere
Companies focusing on Lidar technology were abundant. From physical devices to analytical and interpretive applications, numerous booths showcased this technology. Given the boom in electric vehicles and the trend toward autonomy, this is hardly surprising.
It seems that technological breakthroughs have made Lidar more accessible. While most manufacturers rely on this technology, Tesla has taken the bold step of avoiding its implementation despite its undeniable advantages. It will be interesting to watch Tesla’s future decisions in this regard.
Geodata and Geo-Intelligence in Abundance
Unsurprisingly, with the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles, as well as various assistants made possible by generative AI, geo-intelligence plays a central role in these new applications.
Generative AI in Production
Generative AI has moved beyond being a buzzword or proof of concept. Many concrete applications are now available to the general public, ranging from simple thematic assistants to tour guides and content generation tools. Generative AI is becoming tangible in the physical world, but my personal impression is that this is just the beginning, with much broader applications to come in the future.
Crypto: Almost Gone
The crypto buzz feels like a thing of the past! While the technology has advanced significantly with Layer 2 solutions, new Ethereum protocols, and scalable blockchain applications, the space dedicated to blockchain technology at CES was underwhelming. Only a few square meters showcased a handful of exhibitors and conferences, attracting little public interest based on what I observed during my two visits.
Health in All Its Forms
Health occupied a special place at CES, with both B2B and B2C applications on display. I was particularly impressed by exoskeletons — robots designed to fit the human body to assist or restrict movement. While the most advanced models may be unrealistic for public use in the near future due to their high cost, there are more affordable, less invasive models available, particularly for the elderly.
Mental health was also addressed, with innovations such as robotic dogs that provide “companionship” to those in need.
French company Withings was present as well, showcasing new, more advanced products. It’s an inspiring story of a company I’ve followed for many years, which has continually evolved to create high-performing products.
