CES 2026: Where Purpose-Driven Tech Meets A Call For Greater Inclusion

January 21, 2026

CES 2026 attracted over 145,000 attendees from 160 countries to Las Vegas, where artificial intelligence applications in everyday devices took center stage over theoretical demonstrations. Notable innovations included affordable AI-powered smart glasses, expandable laptops and phones, and advanced robots showcasing sophisticated motor control and reasoning capabilities. Despite technological progress, the event highlighted persistent diversity challenges, with Black Americans representing only 7 percent of tech workers and 4 percent of executives despite comprising 13 percent of the U.S. population.

Who is affected

Over 145,000 CES attendees from 160 countries
Approximately 4,100 exhibitors
People with disabilities (users of assistive wearables like .lumen Glasses for the Blind)
African American tech professionals and entrepreneurs
Black Americans in tech (representing 7% of tech workers and 4% of tech executives)
Women and underrepresented founders
More than 400 underrepresented founders supported by Black Girl Ventures
Tech industry workers and executives broadly
Consumers of wearables, robotics, and adaptive hardware

What action is being taken

CES is increasing its focus on inclusion
Serena Williams is investing in women and underrepresented founders through Serena Ventures
Omi Bell's Black Girl Ventures is supporting underrepresented founders (has supported more than 400, creating thousands of jobs and generating millions in revenue)
Panel discussions are exploring how AI is shaping culture, cities, and communities
Conversations are centering on who is building the future of technology and who needs greater access

Why it matters

This matters because it reveals a critical gap between technological advancement and equitable participation in the tech industry. While AI and innovative devices are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life—from assistive technologies for people with disabilities to adaptive consumer electronics—the people developing these technologies do not reflect the diversity of those who will use them. The underrepresentation of Black Americans in tech (particularly in executive positions at only 4%) means that perspectives, experiences, and needs of significant populations may be overlooked in product development. Additionally, as panelists noted, AI presents both substantial promise for healthcare access and economic opportunity alongside serious risks of bias and inequity, making diverse and intentional development essential. The shift toward "purpose over flash" signals that the industry recognizes technology must serve broader social goals, not just showcase innovation for its own sake.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint