The McKinsey Podcast Special episode: McKinsey at CES 2026
16 snips
Jan 9, 2026 
Bob Sternfeld, McKinsey's global managing partner, shares insights from the Consumer Electronics Show, focusing on human roles in the AI era. He highlights three strengths: aspiration, parameter-setting, and creativity that machines cannot replicate. Bill Wiseman showcases cutting-edge AI applications, including quantum computing and surgical robots. Martin Kellner discusses the rise of robo-taxis and crucial success factors for mobility. The episode delves into the rapid advancements and safety challenges in humanoid robotics, painting a vivid picture of our tech-driven future.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Human Roles In The AI Era
- Bob Sternfeld says humans uniquely can aspire, set parameters, and think creatively.
- These capabilities mean hiring should value raw intrinsic talent over pedigree.
AI Tackling Real Scientific Problems
- Bill Wiseman highlights real-world AI use cases like quantum-enabled chemistry and LLM-trained surgical robots.
- He notes advancing compute and applications are solving tangible scientific and medical problems.
Cost Per Token Is A Key Constraint
- Speakers emphasized reducing cost per token as central to AI proliferation.
- Configuring data centers and service levels can materially lower advanced-compute costs.