Nvidia, AMD and Intel: AI Innovations at CES 2026

TL;DR: Nvidia, AMD and Intel: AI Innovations at CES 2026

• Nvidia unveiled the Cosmos platform, focused on physical AI for robots and autonomous systems.
• AMD launched new Ryzen AI processors, surpassing 60 TOPS for AI workloads.
• Intel showcased its 18A manufacturing process and new Core Ultra Series 3 processors.
• Physical AI redefines human-machine interaction, improving autonomy and efficiency.
• The AI PC market is expanding, with projected growth of 38.5% by 2030.

Nvidia and the Cosmos platform for physical AI

At CES 2026, Nvidia introduced its innovative Cosmos platform, designed to train, simulate, and deploy artificial intelligence systems that interact with the physical world. This platform represents a significant shift in how AI is conceived, moving from a purely digital approach to one that integrates physical capabilities. According to Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, physical AI not only processes data, but also perceives, decides, and acts in real-world environments, opening up a range of possibilities in applications such as robotic arms, autonomous vehicles, and smart factories.

The Cosmos platform is built on a combination of computer vision, advanced sensors, generative models, and simulation engines, all backed by specialized hardware that enables real-time responses. This comprehensive approach is essential to achieving AI that can operate effectively in the physical world, where decisions must be made in fractions of a second and with a high degree of precision.

Nvidia, which has established itself as the world’s most valuable company, faces the challenge of expanding its dominance beyond GPUs, seeking new technology layers that allow it to stay at the forefront in an increasingly competitive market. The Cosmos platform is a strategic step in this direction, positioning Nvidia as a leader in the next generation of AI technologies.

Definition and applications of physical AI

Physical AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that not only analyze data, but also interact with the physical environment. This includes the ability to perceive the environment through sensors, process information in real time, and make decisions that affect the physical world. The applications of physical AI are vast and range from industrial automation to advanced robotics and autonomous vehicles.

For example, in manufacturing, physical AI can optimize production processes through integration of robots that not only perform repetitive tasks, but can also adapt to changes in the work environment. In the transportation sector, autonomous vehicles use physical AI to navigate safely and efficiently, making decisions based on sensor data that detect obstacles and traffic conditions.

The implementation of physical AI also poses challenges, such as the need to ensure safety and ethics in its use. As these technologies are integrated into everyday life, it is crucial to establish regulatory frameworks that ensure their responsible development and beneficial impact on society.

AMD and its new Ryzen AI processors

AMD, for its part, unveiled at CES 2026 its new Ryzen AI processors, which promise to revolutionize personal computing by surpassing 60 TOPS (trillions of operations per second) in artificial intelligence workloads. This metric has become a key standard for evaluating device performance in the context of AI, as it determines the complexity of the models that can be run locally, without relying on the cloud.

Lisa Su, AMD’s CEO, highlighted that one of the company’s goals is to democratize AI on personal devices, enabling gamers, content creators, and professionals to leverage AI capabilities to improve their productivity. Applications range from AI-assisted video editing to real-time image generation, representing a significant advance in efficiency and creativity.

Unlike Nvidia, which focuses on building vertical platforms, AMD is betting on a volume-and-compatibility approach, seeking to gain ground in the premium laptop and mobile workstation market. This strategy not only aims to increase market share, but also to offer solutions that are accessible and efficient for a broader audience.

Importance of TOPS in AI computing

TOPS (trillions of operations per second) have become a crucial metric for artificial intelligence computing, as they determine a device’s ability to handle complex AI models. As demand for AI applications grows, the need for processors that can deliver high performance in terms of TOPS becomes increasingly evident.

In the current context, where AI is being integrated into a variety of devices, from smartphones to industrial automation systems, the ability to run AI models locally without relying on the cloud is fundamental. This not only improves processing speed, but also reduces latency and enhances data privacy, since the information does not need to besent to external servers for analysis.

The growth of the AI-in-PCs market is being driven by the need for solutions that can operate efficiently in local environments. According to data from Grand View Research, the AI market in robotics is expected to grow by 38.5% by 2030, underscoring the importance of having processors that can support AI-intensive workloads.

Intel and its 18A manufacturing process

Intel also made waves at CES 2026 by unveiling its new 18A manufacturing process, which represents a significant step in its strategy to regain leadership in advanced manufacturing. This process is key to producing the new Core Ultra Series 3 processors, which are designed to compete with market leaders such as TSMC and Samsung.

The 18A process not only improves manufacturing efficiency, but also enables the integration of more powerful neural processing units (NPUs), which is essential for running AI locally. Intel aims not only to defend its traditional business, but also to convince customers and partners that its industrial strategy is viable and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

Intel’s presentation at CES 2026 underscores the importance of innovation in manufacturing processes and the need to adapt to changing market demands. With increasing pressure from Asian competitors, Intel’s ability to innovate and deliver high-quality products will be crucial to its future success.

New neural processing units in Intel chips

In addition to its 18A manufacturing process, Intel introduced new neural processing units (NPUs) in its chips, which are designed to improve AI processing capability in devices. These NPUs make it possible to run AI models more efficiently, which is critical for applications that require high performance and low latency.

The integration of NPUs into Intel processors represents a significant advance in how AI can be used in personal computing. With the ability to process data locally, devices can deliver faster, smoother experiences, which is especially important in applications such as video editing, content creation, and gaming.

Intel is positioning its new chips as a comprehensive solution for AI computing, seeking to attract an audience looking for performance and efficiency. This strategy is part of a broader effort to revitalize its image and regain ground in a highly competitive market.

The evolution of the AI-in-PCs market

The market for AI in PCs is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing demand for devices that can run AI models efficiently. As more companies and consumers adopt AI technologies, the need for hardware capable of supporting these workloads becomes critical.

The innovations presented by Nvidia, AMD, and Intel at CES 2026 are a reflection of this evolution. Each company is taking a different approach, from integrating complete platforms to improving individual processors, but they all share the goal of making AI more accessible and efficient for end users.

The projected growth of the AI market in robotics and PCs underscores the importance of these technologies in the future of personal computing. With an expected increase of 38.5% by 2030, the market is on an upward trajectory that promises to redefine the way we interact with technology.

Future prospects for AI in physical environments

The future prospects for AI in physical environments are promising, with a growing focus on creating systems that can operate autonomously and efficiently. The integration of AI technologies into robots, vehicles, and automation systems is changing the way tasks are carried out across various industries.

As companies continue investing in physical AI, we are likely to see an increase in the adoption of robots in factories, autonomous vehicles on roads, and home automation systems. This will not only improve efficiency, but also open up new opportunities in terms of employment and technological development.

However, it is also crucial to address the ethical and security challenges that arise with the implementation of these technologies. As AI becomes an integral part of our lives, it is essential to establish regulations and standards that ensure its responsible use and that it is beneficial to society.

Final reflections on CES 2026 and the future of AI in personal computing

The evolution of physical AI and its impact on the industry

CES 2026 has highlighted how physical AI is transforming the technology industry. The innovations presented by Nvidia, AMD, and Intel not only showcase AI’s potential to improve efficiency and productivity, but also underscore the importance of collaboration between hardware and software to create comprehensive solutions.

Challenges and opportunities for Nvidia, AMD, and Intel in the PC market

As the marthe AI market in PCs continues to evolve, Nvidia, AMD, and Intel face both challenges and opportunities. Competition is fierce, and each company must find its niche to thrive in an ever-changing environment. The ability to adapt to market needs and offer innovative solutions will be key to their success in the future.

With physical AI on the horizon, the future of personal computing promises to be exciting and full of possibilities. Companies that manage to integrate these technologies effectively will be well positioned to lead the way toward a future driven by artificial intelligence.