CES 2021: Tech Trends Shaped by the Pandemic

It was inevitable that the COVID-19 pandemic would be a central theme during the first completely virtual CES event. The subject is consistently present in discussions, regardless of the specific topic. Nearly a year into the pandemic, presenters understandably felt compelled to acknowledge the significant circumstances. This acknowledgment ranged from simply noting the unusual shift from the Las Vegas Convention Center to a virtual platform powered by Microsoft, to feeling somewhat contrived.

Regarding the technology showcased, it’s clear the pandemic will have a lasting and substantial impact on the industry for years to come, influencing everything from health safety protocols to remote work solutions. In some instances, this represents a natural progression, adapting technology to meet the demands of a changing world. However, other instances appeared more opportunistic – akin to a commercial referencing “challenging times.”

I have previously explored the anticipated effects of the pandemic on the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence. In essence, companies are likely to increasingly adopt these technologies, having experienced the limitations of relying solely on a human workforce during a global health crisis.

We observed initial indications of robotics’ potential response, although development timelines are typically longer in this sector compared to consumer electronics. A particularly noticeable trend was the proliferation of robots equipped with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection technology. LG, Ubtech, and Ava Robotics all actively promoted their respective offerings. The demand for disinfection solutions is understandable during a pandemic, and robotics provide a means to automate repetitive tasks while minimizing human exposure to potential viral transmission.

UV disinfection technology was integrated into various product types. Smartphones, already recognized as potential sources of germs even before the pandemic, have been a focus for this technology for several years. Companies like Glissner, a Canadian startup with their CleanPhone product, are aiming to compete in a market currently led by PhoneSoap, a company that anticipated this trend.

Targus’s keyboard, featuring an ultraviolet lamp positioned above it, was arguably the most discussed UV solution at the show, largely due to its unconventional design.

Face masks represent another area of increasing relevance at the show, reaching a peak this year. While mask-wearing is a recent development in some regions, it has long been commonplace in others, such as East Asia. Last year, Ao Air, a company based in Portland, gained attention with its mask design.

Razer’s Project Hazel was undoubtedly the most prominent mask unveiled at the event. It’s a bold and attention-grabbing product, somewhat outside the core focus of a company primarily known for gaming accessories. This N95 mask incorporates LEDs to indicate charging status and enhance visibility in low-light conditions, and also includes technology to improve voice clarity. Currently, however, it appears to be more of a publicity stunt than a practical solution.

I anticipated a greater emphasis on remote work solutions, but only saw limited examples, such as a Dell monitor with integrated Microsoft Teams conferencing capabilities. Microsoft presented its new Surface device as suitable for remote work, but it didn’t appear significantly more focused on this application than other portable Surface models.

Many of the innovations companies are currently developing will likely be showcased at CES 2022. Hopefully, we will be able to experience them in person in Las Vegas next year.