CES 2026 Trends, World Models, Privacy-First AI, Robotics Demos, Future Devices with Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler

In this episode of TechMagic, hosts Cathy Hackl and Lee Kebler return from a holiday break to unpack the most important ideas and innovations from CES 2026. Cathy breaks down how the AI conversation has evolved beyond large language models into embodied AI, agentic systems, world models, and on-device intelligence. The discussion spans standout demos, from attention-aware robots and immersive VR experiences to smart wearables and biodegradable batteries. Cathy and Lee also question whether AI is solving real problems or becoming an innovation theatre. We end with a forward look at 2027 as a critical inflection point for AI devices from Apple, OpenAI, and Meta.

Come for the tech, stay for the magic!

Cathy Hackl Bio

Cathy Hackl is a globally recognized tech & gaming executive, futurist, and speaker focused on spatial computing, virtual worlds, augmented reality, AI, strategic foresight, and gaming platforms strategy. She’s one of the top tech voices on LinkedIn and is the CEO of Spatial Dynamics, a spatial computing and AI solutions company, including gaming. 

Cathy has worked at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Magic Leap, and HTC VIVE and has advised companies like Nike, Ralph Lauren, Walmart, Louis Vuitton, and Clinique on their emerging tech and gaming journeys. She has spoken at Harvard Business School, MIT, SXSW, Comic-Con, WEF Annual Meeting in Davos 2023, CES, MWC, Vogue’s Forces of Fashion, and more. 

Cathy Hackl on LinkedIn

Spatial Dynamics on LinkedIn

Lee Kebler Bio

Lee has been at the forefront of blending technology and entertainment since 2003, creating advanced studios for icons like Will.i.am and producing music for Britney Spears and Big & Rich. Pioneering in VR since 2016, he has managed enterprise data at Nike, led VR broadcasting for Intel at the Japan 2020 Olympics, and driven large-scale marketing campaigns for Walmart, Levi’s, and Nasdaq. A TEDx speaker on enterprise VR, Lee is currently authoring a book on generative AI and delving into splinternet theory and data privacy as new tech laws unfold across the US.

Lee Kebler on LinkedIn

Key Discussion Topics: 

00:00 Intro: Welcome Back to Tech Magic in 2026

03:27 AI's Evolution: From Language Models to Embodied Intelligence

05:30 Glasses Galore: Meta Ray-Ban Displays and Wearable Utility

09:26 Robots Everywhere: From Laundry Folders to AI-Powered Lawnmowers

12:00 CES 2027 Inflection Point: Q3-Q4 2026 Device Announcements to Watch

16:11 Innovation Theater vs. Problem-Solving: Evaluating Real Tech Impact

18:21 Trinity Vehicle and Cool Concepts: NVIDIA and Will.i.am's AI-Powered EV

20:51 Biodegradable Paper Batteries: Flint's Sustainable Solution

23:04 XR Display Glasses and Next-Gen Wearables: X Real and Gaming Integration

24:01 Attention Labs: On-Device AI and Data Sovereignty in Robotics

27:53 Why On-Device AI Matters: Global Markets and Data Regulations

29:30 IXR Podcast Meetup: Felix and Paul's Interstellar Arc VR Experience

33:32 LEGO Smart Bricks: The Future of Educational Robotics

35:44 Final Thoughts: CES as Geekapalooza and Plans for 2027

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