At the upcoming CES trade show in Las Vegas, OpenAI’s AI innovations are set to steal the spotlight, despite the absence of CEO Sam Altman. The impact of OpenAI’s generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which caused a sensation last year, will be evident as numerous companies showcase how they are incorporating AI into their gadgets.
From devices for the visually impaired and safety systems involving guns at schools to facial-recognition software that can assess vitals and cabin-monitoring systems inside autonomous cars, the range of applications for AI is vast and diverse. This exhibition of AI at CES 2024 echoes Apple’s influence under the leadership of Steve Jobs, as companies clamor to display gadgets that complement OpenAI’s sleek products.
Sam Altman, often seen as the face of the AI frenzy gripping the tech industry, made headlines in November when he was briefly ousted from OpenAI’s board. However, due to the threat of over 700 employees quitting and joining OpenAI investor Microsoft, Altman was swiftly reinstated. Reports suggest that OpenAI is also working on a secretive AI hardware project in collaboration with renowned former Apple designer Jony Ive.
The funding for generative AI projects skyrocketed last year, surging by over five times to $23.78 billion. Maribel Lopez, a tech analyst at Lopez Research, aptly summed up the current state of the industry, stating, “It’s the year of AI in everything. If you don’t have AI in your product, don’t show up, it’s not worth talking about.”
Prominent companies at CES are planning compelling demonstrations of how AI can enhance user experiences and improve safety. For example, Germany’s Bosch will showcase a near-invisible gun-detection system that uses video and audio AI for proactive security in schools. Japan’s NEC will unveil AI software that enables mobile devices to analyze face patterns and pupil conditions to estimate human vitals and mental state.
The automotive industry is also rapidly adopting AI to create a “hyper-personalized” customer experience. Automakers are no longer solely focused on autonomous technology but are now exploring ways to integrate AI into in-vehicle virtual assistants and cabin monitors. Companies such as Cerence, which specializes in AI-powered virtual assistants, will announce partnerships with major car manufacturers like Volkswagen. Israel-based Cipia is expected to unveil a system that monitors signs of distraction and drowsiness in drivers.
Furthermore, Amazon.com has revealed that it will enter into a generative AI partnership with BMW, while PC and smartphone makers are also incorporating AI into their products. Chipmakers like Intel and AMD are betting on AI to provide a new revenue stream. Microsoft announced that new AI-enabled PCs will be showcased at CES, featuring an AI button on the Windows keyboard. However, it remains to be seen if consumers will be willing to pay extra for AI capabilities on their computers, as these developments may perform less obvious tasks compared to OpenAI’s popular ChatGPT bot.
The omnipresence of AI at CES 2024 demonstrates how the technology has become pervasive across various industries. As companies strive to stay competitive and meet consumer demands, integrating AI has become a necessity. CES serves as a platform for these companies to showcase their AI-powered innovations, revealing the potential of the technology to transform our lives in countless ways.
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