LG keynote at CES 2019. (Image courtesy of CES.)

Transformative tech is on display everywhere at the Consumer Electronics Show 2019. As the largest and most influential consumer tech event in the world, CES is where the global technology ecosystem gathers to conduct business, launch products, build their brands and partner up to change industries and improve the lives of people everywhere.

This year, more than 4,500 exhibiting companies are showcasing their best and brightest, with more than 20,000 products anticipated to launch from the show floor this week.

So, what is “transformative technology,” and what kinds of products will it introduce to the public?

“CES embodies the innovative spirit that defines the consumer technology industry – and the products and services launching here this week will empower citizens around the globe and change our world for the better,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). “Bringing the latest in 5G, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, smart cities, sports tech, 8K video technology, robotics and more. With every major and emerging industry here at the show, CES 2019 is a global hub for innovation.”

Opening Keynote Introduced CLOi

The first keynote of 2019 kicked off with LG Electronics President and CTO I.P. Park sharing his company's ambitions to create a world of connected, intuitive AI-powered technologies capable of working seamlessly in unison. “Our vision in the coming age of AI is to become a lifestyle innovator that serves a truly intelligent way of living,” said Dr. Park.

In addition, a robot keynoter took the stage for the first time – the LG CLOi Guide Bot, which delivered the introduction to the next guest speaker.

(Image courtesy of LG.)

Trends and Forecasts for What’s Hot in 2019

Sunday’s Media Day saw Steve Koenig, Ben Arnold and Lesley Rohrbaugh of the CTA presenting 2019 Tech Trends to Watch, offering a preview of the association’s January U.S. Consumer Technology Sales & Forecasts.

Topping the list are AI and connected technologies, which are predicted to drive the U.S. consumer tech industry to a record-breaking year — with expectations of reaching $398 billion in retail. Specifically, smart speakers, smart home devices, wireless earbuds, smartwatches and drones are expected to continue to grow in popularity, while new entertainment tech such as 5G and 8K UHD TVs are set to hit the market.

(Image courtesy of CTA.)

CES Unveiled Sneak Peak

Opening weekend also featured the CES Unveiled sneak peak on Sunday evening. It was the largest in the show’s history, with a record 230 exhibiting companies—including 94 start-ups from Eureka Park, the start-up hub at CES 2019.

CES Unveiled shared a sneak preview of the most exciting innovations debuting this week during the show, including the latest in smart mirrors, sleep tracking headsets, 3D holograms, smart breast pumps for nursing mothers, smart systems to track loved ones’ daily schedules, and headphones with smart sound technology.

Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss

Whatever your interest, CES probably has something right up your alley. Between exhibit areas, conference sessions, featured speakers and other technology-focused events, the week is jam-packed. However, there are always a few must-see and can’t-miss places and events:

Exhibits

NEW Resilience – Discover tech keeping the world healthy, safe, warm, powered, fed and secure.

CES Sports Zone – Explore the latest tech innovation impacting athletic performance to fan engagement and the business of sports on and off the field. The Gamespot eSports truck will also provide attendees with a firsthand experience of eSports.

Self-Driving Technology - Explore the road to self-driving vehicles through ride-and-drive experiences.

Smart Cities - See how smart cities will influence policies, transportation, cities and towns, our industry and our planet.

Conferences and Speakers

AI Everywhere - Whether enhancing algorithms for personalizing the customer experience or streamlining HR work functions, AI is being used to transform and power businesses. Take a deeper dive into how companies are using the technology and hear about what they have learned.

Technology to Feed the World - Agriculture in the 21st century faces the challenge of producing more food to feed a growing population, with a smaller rural labor force. In the face of climate change and labor shortages, we need innovation in the ways that food can be grown and harvested.

Technology, Jobs and the Future of Work - Technology is augmenting the workplace and reshaping the work we do today and tomorrow. The use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, AR/VR, automation and other technologies is growing, creating new jobs and a greater demand for skilled workers.

Esports: Powered by Technology - It’s predicted that Esports will grow into a billion-dollar industry in 2019. And technology is integral to the entire experience for athletes, teams, sponsors and fans.

Attendees arrive for the opening day of CES 2019. (Image courtesy CES.)

Exciting Events

Last Gadget Standing, presented by Living in Digital Times - A perennial attendee favorite, Last Gadget Standing challenges contenders to give the product demo of their lives. At stake: bragging rights as the product “most likely to change the face of technology.”

Extreme Tech Challenge Semi Finals - Selected out of hundreds of start-up applicants, the Top 10 XTC Semi-Finalists present to XTC Judges including Gary Shapiro. The judges will select the Top 3 Finalists who will go to Necker Island for the XTC Finals and pitch Sir Richard Branson and a panel of judges.

Best of CES Awards - Engadget’s editors scour the CES show floor, choosing winners in 16 categories running the gamut from TVs to sports technology. Along the way, they'll judge the finalists based on their innovation, design, market appeal and functionality. The winners will be announced at a live ceremony on Thursday, January 10.

Shark Tank Open Call - Shark Tank, the business-themed show, is searching for the best Entrepreneurs with the best businesses and products that America has to offer. If you’ve got a great product or business, then Shark Tank is for you. An open call with the show’s casting team will take place at CES.

Details, schedules and other information can be found at the CES website.

Stay tuned throughout the week for more coverage of the highlights, cool tech and awesome innovations at CES 2019!

Transformative Technology at CES 2019