CES Expectations 2026-- From AI Hype to AI Implementation

By Don Southerton

 

As I have shared, last year’s CES was all about AI buzz and brand framing; for many, AI was an attention-grabber. Some brands were genuinely about AI, while many tagged AI onto their descriptions.

 

See  https://www.brandinginasia.com/ces-2025-yes-it-was-all-about-ai/

 

 

For decades, the Show has been about consumer goods, and it still is, although drones and robotics have captured my attention in recent years. I am curious about what this year holds. 

 

 

Personally, I am interested in Hyundai.

 

 

In particular, the Hyundai Motor Group plans to present its next-generation electric Atlas robot for the first time as a primary example of its AI robotics strategy.

 

Atlas is a humanoid robot developed by Boston Dynamics Inc., its robotics affiliate.

 

https://pulse.mk.co.kr/news/english/11504851

 

 

Main Shift: From AI Hype to AI Implementation

"Agentic AI" (autonomous systems that act independently) replaces buzzwords with a focus on real productivity gains, not just marketing. 

 

I’ll be looking for fewer flashy announcements and more working products.

 

Hyundai is blending its hierarchical innovation cultures with Boston Dynamics' agile US roots to accelerate commercialization in manufacturing. 

 

 

I plan real-time LinkedIn and X posts at the Hyundai's Media Day (Jan 5, 1-1:45 PM PST)

 

And the real CES story may not be Atlas the robot, but whether Hyundai can industrialize Silicon Valley robotics, in Hyundai fashion, may succeed where others stall.

 

 

About Don Southerton

Author of Hyundai Way: Hyundai Speed | Founder & CEO, Bridging Culture Worldwide | Global Korean Business Strategist & Media Contributor

 

Recognized for insights on Hyundai’s corporate culture and Korean business execution, and frequently featured in global outlets including WSJ, BBC, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Branding in Asia. Known informally in the industry as the “Hyundai Whisperer,” he frequently explores how Korean companies like Hyundai evolve from fast followers to innovation leaders. 

 

Schedule a chat

https://calendly.com/dsoutherton-bridgingculture

 

CES 2026

 CES 2026 Korea-Exclusive Support

Maximize your CES 2026 impact with dedicated pre-show, on-site, and post-show support exclusively for Korean brands, government agencies, and startups.

Our Services

• Pre & Post-Show Promotion and PR - Build momentum before the show and sustain it after.

• Media Support - Strategic media outreach and relationship management

• Client Relations - Connect with new customers.

Successfully supported Korean clients at CES 2020, 2021, 2022, 2024, and 2025 with measurable results in media coverage, customer acquisition, and partnership development.

Why Work With Us

• Korea-exclusive focus - We understand your market and culture

• Deep CES experience - Proven success across multiple years

• Dedicated to excellence - Elevating Korean innovation on the global stage

Take Action

FINAL SPOTS AVAILABLE - I will be on-site starting January 4. Contact me immediately to secure your slot.

Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Text or Call +1-310-866-3777

Plan Now for 2026: Navigating Year-End Differences in Korean Business Culture

Don't Wait Until January: Why Your Korea Strategy Needs Attention Now.

Getting Ahead in 2026: Leveraging Korea's Year-End Work Cycle

 

Overseas Korean companies’ teams indeed go into holiday mode, plants close for routine annual end-of-year maintenance, offices shut down, and employees take vacations.

 

In Korea, we observe restructuring, end-of-year team meetings, annual reports to Leadership, and some members taking on new assignments.

 

That said, we should be aware that most Korean expats still go to work every day…

 

In fact, I recall meeting with senior leadership on December 31, the HQ parking lot and building halls were empty, except for the Korean CEO and most of the expats. 

 

Moreover, throughout the morning, newly assigned Korean expats came to the CEO’s office to introduce themselves, and colleagues joined them.

 

My advice is to establish a strategy “now,” so we can get a jumpstart for early 2026--the Korean teams will be ready.     

Call or Text   310-866-3777 

 

  

CES 2026 Update

 CES 2026 Korea-Exclusive Support

Time running out, act now.

Maximize your CES 2026 impact with dedicated pre-show, on-site, and post-show support exclusively for Korean brands, government agencies, and startups.

Our Services

• Pre & Post-Show Promotion and PR - Build momentum before the show and sustain it after.

• Media Support - Strategic media outreach and relationship management

• Client Relations - Connect with new customers.

Successfully supported Korean clients at CES 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025 with measurable results in media coverage, customer acquisition, and partnership development.

Why Work With Us

• Korea-exclusive focus - We understand your market and culture

• Deep CES experience - Proven success across multiple years

• Dedicated to excellence - Elevating Korean innovation on the global stage

Take Action

I have only a few slots remaining for the CES January 2026 Show.

Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com

Text or Call +1-310-866-3777

CES 2026 Korea-Exclusive Support

 

Limited Slots Available

Maximize your CES 2026 impact with dedicated pre-show, on-site, and post-show support exclusively for Korean brands, government agencies, and startups.

Our Services

•       Pre & Post-Show Promotion and PR - Build momentum before the show and sustain it after

•       Media Support - Strategic media outreach and relationship management

•       Client Relations - Connect with new customers and forge valuable partnerships

Proven Track Record

Successfully supported Korean clients at CES 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2025 with measurable results in media coverage, customer acquisition, and partnership development.

Why Work With Us

•       Korea-exclusive focus - We understand your market and culture

•       Deep CES experience - Proven success across multiple years

•       Dedicated to excellence - Elevating Korean innovation on the global stage

Take Action

Only a few slots remain for January 2026.

Contact us for case studies and availability.

The Korean Art of Staying Ahead of Project Disruption, Part 2: Executive briefing #5

 In Part 1, I shared some insights into how best to ensure projects stay on track amid change from outside of our control. If you haven’t had time to check out, please do… In this Executive Briefing, I will discuss how even the best laid plans can get blindsided. In a conversation with an industry veteran and longtime Western executive for a major Korean Group, we were concerned that a new global hire may be a poor fit. 

 

In particular, in the person’s attitude--at least to being open to Korean business norms and practices as well as advice given to them on how to work within the system. My friend commented that the hire, who was very confident in their position, close-minded, and had their own way of doing things, would never see their demise in coming and be blindsided. 

 

Stepping back, as I mentioned in the last Executive Briefing, my experience is that savvy Korean management has “eyes in the back of their head,” little gets by them, and they take much in consideration before making any decision or move. They see and sense what’s around the corner. 

 

Still, forces can take a Korean company’s direction 180 degrees. This most often occurs as a new Administration or policymakers take office in South Korea, and with it comes new economic policy, vision, and initiatives. For example, in the past presidential administrations, we’ve seen a push for Green, Creative, and a “Hydrogen Economy.” 

 

For each case, Korean companies have had to realign and dedicate resources. Besides these high-level government shifts, leadership succession within a Korean Group, along with changes in an industry, can also lead to programs being put on hold, terminated abruptly, modified, or even pushed to the forefront. Again, in both situations, savvy management and teams have lead time and remain ever watchful to avoid being caught off guard. 

 

As always, each situation is different, but what remains constant is a refined approach, one I base on years of experience. Be observant. Make no assumptions. Have a countermeasure. 

 

One final thought… In many cases, the C-suite, leadership, and teams do need direct support. I strongly encourage you to reach out to me, even if just for a neutral opinion. It’s also best to engage early, rather than wait until issues escalate or go sideways. Waiting rarely improves things.

 

About Don Southerton

Don is a long-time C-suite advisor providing strategy, consulting, and mentoring to Korea-based global businesses. He writes and speaks frequently on Korea and Korean business-related topics.

 

More About US

 

https://bridgingculture.com

 

https://bridgingculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/cover-v1.pdf

The Korean Art of Staying Ahead of Project Disruption, Part 1: Executive Briefing #4

 

Question?  Don, working with Korea, how can we ensure projects stay on track amid what can be change from outside of our control? 

 

Answer. Great question. I will answer in two parts, in this posting, Part 1

To elaborate… Pondering on the question, it made me reflect on the Korean workplace, where the most savvy, long-term staff and executives are both highly intuitive, sensitive, and vigilant to all that goes on around them. 

 

They read situations and adapt accordingly. Little gets by them. In particular, they even anticipate senior leadership’s next moves. More so, without such a skill set, few ever get to an executive level. As a best practice, they also plan accordingly with countermeasures in place for all projects. 

 

In Korean, we call this miri miri…(Pronounced me re me re). It can be translated as preparing ahead of time and in advance. It is in contrast to doing things at the last minute and then having to go balli balli ( fast, fast). 

 

Bottom line, look beyond the surface to gain insights into what may impact projects, assume some road bumps ahead, develop countermeasures, and be ready to execute quickly. 

 

In Part 2, I will discuss how even the best laid plans can get blindsided. 

 

About Don Southerton

Don is a long-time C-suite advisor providing strategy, consulting, and mentoring to Korea-based global businesses. He writes and speaks frequently on Korea and Korean business-related topics.

 

More About US

 

https://bridgingculture.com