This Week in Tech (Audio) TWiT 1066: A Supercomputer in Your Pocket - CES & the Next Leap for On-Device AI Power
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Jan 12, 2026 
This week features Fr. Robert Ballecer, the 'Digital Jesuit' exploring tech ethics, Jennifer Pattison Tuohy from The Verge sharing her hands-on CES insights, and Jason Hiner, AI expert analyzing the latest trends. They dive into the strange ideas like toilet cameras for health monitoring and discuss the practicality of humanoid robots versus task-specific devices. The panel also highlights innovations like LEGO's Smart Brick, advanced local AI processing for privacy, and the implications of AI companions. A thought-provoking look at tech’s balance between innovation and everyday utility!
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Robot Falls, Journalist Reacts
- Jennifer Pattison Tuohy recounted a 170-pound humanoid robot named Jupiter falling and tweaking her wrist when she instinctively reached to catch it.
- She used the episode to show why humanoids aren’t yet ready for homes due to software, safety, and control limitations.
Digital Twins Accelerate Physical AI
- Jason Hiner described digital twins + world models as the practical enabler that will speed robotics deployment from days to hours.
- He argued this combo will let factories and hospitals scale physical AI far faster and cheaper.
Improve Purpose-Built Home Robots
- Jennifer recommended improving current home robots rather than chasing one humanoid to do everything.
- She suggested using specialized robots or hubs that orchestrate smart appliances for practical automation.
