The McKinsey Podcast Special episode: McKinsey at CES 2026
8 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.
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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.