AI Takes Center Stage at CES 2024: Transformative Innovations and Industry Dynamics
Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, won’t be present at the CES trade show in Las Vegas next week, but the impact of the generative artificial-intelligence trend initiated by his startup will be unmistakable. CES 2024, previously known as the Consumer Electronics Show, is set to feature numerous announcements from companies incorporating AI into their gadgets.
From devices aiding the visually impaired to safety systems addressing guns in schools, and facial-recognition software assessing vitals to cabin-monitoring systems in autonomous cars, a myriad of companies is gearing up to unveil their AI-infused innovations during the Jan. 9-12 event.
OpenAI’s influence persists, reminiscent of Apple’s Steve Jobs, even without Altman’s physical presence. Altman, a key figure in the AI industry, faced headlines in November when briefly ousted by OpenAI’s board, only to be reinstated following a strong employee reaction threatening to join OpenAI investor Microsoft in solidarity. OpenAI, in collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive, is reportedly working on a secretive AI hardware project.
AI Funding Soars, Industry Dynamics Shift
The surge in funding for generative AI projects last year, exceeding $23.78 billion through December 2023, reflects the industry’s enthusiasm. Maribel Lopez, a tech analyst at Lopez Research, declares it the “year of AI in everything,” emphasizing the indispensability of AI in products.
Notable announcements expected at CES include Germany’s Bosch discussing its award-winning near-invisible gun-detection system, Japan’s NEC unveiling AI software for analyzing human vitals and mental state, and various automotive companies showcasing AI integration for enhanced driving experiences. Automakers are transitioning from autonomous technology to focus on providing a “hyper-personalized” customer experience during car purchase and usage.
Automotive and Tech Collaborations Take the Spotlight
Cerence, a maker of AI-powered virtual assistants, is set to announce a partnership with Volkswagen, Cipia from Israel is expected to unveil a system monitoring driver distraction and drowsiness, and Amazon.com teases a generative AI partnership with BMW. Wendy Bauer, Vice President of Automotive and Manufacturing at Amazon Web Services, notes the broader adoption of AI in automotive production to streamline development and improve quality checks.
PC and smartphone manufacturers, such as Intel and AMD, are also gearing up to showcase how their products leverage AI as a potential new revenue stream. Microsoft’s announcement of PCs featuring a new AI button on the Windows keyboard adds to the anticipation. However, the consumer willingness to pay extra for AI capabilities in computers remains uncertain, as these developments often perform less obvious tasks compared to OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT bot. The industry appears to be navigating the challenge of demonstrating clear consumer utility in their AI offerings.
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