Highlights from CES 2019

CES: a veritable wonderland of all things up-and-coming in the world of electronics and tech. It rivals theme parks and small cities. Rently, the multifaceted real estate solutions company, had the opportunity to see first-hand what exciting things there are to come this year in the world of tech.

And let us tell you – there are a lot of exciting things to come.

Smart Cities, IoT, and The Future of Mobility

When it comes to CES, there’s a whole lot of ground to cover. The journey started off at the Westgate, where we received badges and maps detailing just how many exhibitors there were to see (over 4,400!). We began in the Smart Cities section, marveling at what could very soon be the future of ride-sharing transportation. Now, we’re not just talking about companies like Lyft and Uber – we’re talking about everything from smart metro systems to an expansion on the ever-popular scooter and bike sharing services that have been cropping up in major cities. Companies are gearing up to define what it truly means to be “mobile” in today’s world, while others still are focusing on how we can use green energy to get there.

Walking through the Smart Cities section invited us to think about how each and every one of us plays a critical role in the day-to-day structure and operations of our major cities and towns – and asked us to question how we can use technology to improve those structures. According to CES Daily, the tech elements necessary for smart cities include network infrastructure in the form of 5G and IoT, data sharing platforms, building sensors, and systems designed specifically to manage data collection.

This section of CES therefore also included the IoT Infrastructure Pavilion, which housed everything from 3D cameras to CBD gummy dispensers, sensors to magnetic flashlights – and demonstrated how each of these things can be supported by IoT. The Internet of Things Infrastructure also gave an exciting sneak peek into what could be the future of digital and AI assistance, with companies creating virtual receptionists with digital “personas”. Wireless tech designed to enhance the spread of information was the name of the game here, though, with many booths featuring enhanced wireless technology.

Vehicle Technology and Autonomy

The next section was for automotive and transportation technology. The vehicle technology display included some of the latest in concept cars and vehicles that keep riders and drivers connected throughout their days. This year, the vehicles exhibited surpassed many stand-alone car shows, featuring over 160 exhibitors across a massive 290,000 net square feet. As expected, smart self-driving cars were at the center of many of the vehicles displayed. Booths demonstrated what the next several years of driving could look like as research and development into self-driving policy continues.

Automakers such as Audi, Honda, Kia, and Nissan displayed concepts for what these connected cars might look and perform like. Other vehicle-related booths focused on the increasing importance of clean energy, while others still showcased how AI and virtual assistance will soon be integrated into the future of the automotive industry.

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

Robotics and AI presented another huge portion of the show. Located in South Hall 2, the section presented several incredible booths with some seriously cool tech that promises to change the way that business – and everyday life – is done. Many exhibitors displayed AI camera tech that was able to accurately display each attendee’s age, gender, and emotion based on facial expression. These cameras could also track each person’s location within and around the hall, a technology that clearly could have a major impact on several consumer-facing industries.

One perfect example of this was a booth that had been set up as a faux storefront that demonstrated how customers could be tracked as they were doing their shopping. It was a seriously incredible way to see just how useful this tech could be, and to get a snapshot of what the shop of the future might look like. Clearly, this kind of tech sees us moving away from the CCTV cameras of the past; here come the days of efficient and effective customer profiling from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. Of course, security isn’t the only function of innovations like this. With the incorporation of AR and VR tech, it’s becoming possible for consumers to “try before they buy” – with everything from furniture to makeup.

Drones, too, were a massive part of this section, with many up-and-coming companies showcasing the newest in drone camera tech that promises to take us to new heights – and new depths, as well.

The Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Marketplace featured over 60 exhibitors, including businesses like Omron, Segway, Panasonic, Amazon, and more. Companies showed just how easily machines can not only fit into but can improve our everyday life – from home, to school, to work and back.

Health And Wellness Marketplace

Over 100 companies showed just how the tech of the future can and will support the health of consumers. Many exhibitors showed just how technology can encourage patients to better track and support their personal health. From AI to digital therapy, it’s clear that the future of health and medicine is intertwined with the future of tech.

Companies such as 3M, Humetrix, Philips, and SleepScore Labs presented smart health solutions that strive to not only monitor health but to support better quality of life. In addition to the Health and Wellness Marketplace, the Sleep Tech Marketplace and Wearables Marketplace showcased ways that sleep and wearable tech can play a huge role in the improved health of individuals and communities.

Smart Homes of Tomorrow

Smart home was another huge theme at this year’s show, with several companies revealing their interconnected smart systems that strive to take home automation to the next level, from smart keyless locks and voice-controlled home assistants to smart appliances and garden irrigation. The future of the interconnected home was certainly one of the most exciting things at this year’s show, with booths that showed off just how a smart system would work in fake housing set-ups that allowed visitors to quite literally experience walking through a smart home.

Integration of various smart devices was also a huge part of the smart home software that was seen throughout CES. The ability to work with devices such as the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant was a key selling point for many companies, showcasing the ability to more accurately and efficiency tie together devices.

Smart home tech, such as that of the Rently Keyless access solutions, is very clearly becoming a staple not only in the tech world but in everyday life.

Eureka Park Startups

The Eureka Park section of CES was undoubtedly one of our favorites. Organized by geographic location, the Eureka Park startups presented early-stage entrepreneurs eager to show their products and services to the world. This year, entrepreneurs came from over 30 countries, including Canada, Switzerland, Taiwan, India, South Korea, and more. Many companies exhibiting at Eureka Park saw the opportunity as a potential breakthrough, with the show providing valuable connections for entrepreneurs looking to share their solutions with the world.

The booths presenting at Eureka Park ran the gamut, industry-wise; everything from 5G to digital health was represented. According to CES Daily, companies that have participated in the Eureka Park portion of the show have raised over $1.5 billion in funding since 2012.

Audio and Visual Innovators

Some of the most eye- (and ear-) catching exhibits were from that of the audio and visual industries, with booths showcasing the newest in 8K screen technology and high-quality sound playback. Notable exhibitors included Samsung, which built an entire mini-city inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as LG, Westinghouse, Kodak, Sony, and Polaroid, among others.

Home entertainment systems featuring new display technologies like rollable OLED and micro-LED gained lots of attention during the show; the first roll-up TV, a 65-inch LG OLED television, debuted during the week, and 8K TVs were a central feature this year.

Of course, these are only a few of the incredible sections found at CES. As veterans of the show will tell you, it’s difficult to see everything – but the sheer size of the show is one of the things that we loved the most. The energy at CES was one of hope and innovation. Every section and exhibitory that we had the chance to visit echoed these sentiments fully. As a society, we’re fast approaching a future where automation is key, and technology works with us to make life simpler and more efficient – from personal health to smart appliances.

As a company that values creativity, innovation, and simplicity, exploring CES was very important for Rently. The future of tech goes hand-in-hand with the future of Real Estate – and with that, the future of self-showing and smart home technologies that bring full automation within reach.

Want to learn more about the Rently self-showing and Rently Keyless smart solutions? Feel free to check out more of our blog!