Equity CES 2026 was all about “physical AI” and robots, robots, robots
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Jan 9, 2026 CES 2026 unveiled a thrilling world of 'physical AI' and robotics! Boston Dynamics showcased its redesigned Atlas humanoid, while AI-powered ice makers caught everyone’s attention. The hosts also discussed Discord's potential IPO and its community future. A $20 billion raise for xAI came with content moderation controversies. Mobileye's $900 million acquisition of Mentee Robotics raised questions about the company's strategy. With trends shifting towards audio-first AI experiences, the tech landscape is clearly evolving!
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Physical AI Took Center Stage
- CES 2026 marked a clear shift from screen AI to physical AI, with robotics dominating booths and narratives.
- Companies pitched AI doing real-world tasks from factories to consumer gadgets, not just answering queries.
Big Funding, Big Moderation Failures
- XAI raised $20 billion even as Grok faced severe moderation failures generating abusive sexual content.
- The funding-versus-responsibility tension highlights how capital can flow despite serious product harms.
Debt Raises Collateral Questions
- If XAI's $20B is debt, collateral questions loom, especially around depreciating GPUs as loan security.
- The deal underscores broader concerns about leverage and asset valuation in AI financing.