Bay Tek at CES 2026: The Tech Trends We're Watching
Bay Tek at CES 2026: The Tech Trends We’re Watching
CES 2026 is the kind of show that makes your brain numb, but in the best way. It’s packed with bold ideas, flashy demos, and more “AI-powered” claims than you can count. This year, leaders from Bay Tek R&D and Operations hit the show floor to explore what’s coming next… and what could impact the future of arcade entertainment.
AI Everywhere
Let’s be honest: AI was everywhere. But not all AI is created equal. One of our biggest takeaways was the growing opportunity to use AI for real-world operational improvements, things like equipment monitoring, predictive maintenance, and systems that can feed actionable quality and safety data into dashboards. That kind of technology isn’t just cool… it’s what helps manufacturers build smarter, faster, and more consistently.
Wearables, Robotics… and “Helper Bots”
Wearable tech (think smart glasses) showed up in a big way, with robotics close behind. There were even humanoid robot demos, including a “helper bot” concept that could fold laundry and fetch household items. It was impressive… and hilariously slow. (It had “version 1.0 energy.”)
Still, the direction is clear: improvements with robotics and automation are accelerating. And while Bay Tek isn’t building laundry-folding robots anytime soon, the long-term overlap between automation, sensors, and smarter service systems is something we’ll keep watching.
Smarter Tools for Designing the Next Great Game
On the product development side, one standout was an AI copilot add-on for SolidWorks that could enforce design standards automatically. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes innovation that can make our engineering team even more efficient, freeing up more time for what matters most: building games people love to play.
We also spotted a compact desktop 3D printer using metal powder to create near full metal parts (with additional hardening steps). That’s exciting tech with potential for prototyping and specialized part creation down the road.
New Guest Experiences: Hologram Prints & Interactive Displays
Our software team found a few technologies that sparked immediate “arcade potential” conversations:
A handheld hologram/motion photo printer that could be used as a prize, merchandiser, or next-gen photo booth experience.
A multi-touch interactive sphere display with great responsiveness and museum-quality visuals.
Real-time AI video generation that creates instant, custom visuals, Perfect for immersive environments and attraction-style experiences.
The Bottom Line
The CES innovation pipeline is real. At Bay Tek, we’re always looking for ways to turn emerging tech into unforgettable fun, while building smarter systems behind the curtain to support our customers for the long haul.
The future is moving fast… and we’re right there with it.
