CES 2026 to Spotlight Next-Generation Manufacturing with New Dedicated Track and Advanced Showcase

Las Vegas show to feature NAM President Jay Timmons, SME CEO Jeannine Kunz, and Siemens CEO Roland Busch as keynote speaker

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) has announced that CES 2026 will place a major spotlight on next-generation manufacturing, exploring how innovations in energy, mobility, and artificial intelligence are fundamentally transforming how products are designed, built, and delivered.

"Manufacturing is transforming fast and CES 2026 will show what it takes to build the next industrial era," said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair of CTA. "CES brings together the full manufacturing ecosystem, from automation and robotics to materials and sourcing. The technologies, partnerships and workforce training that power resilient, competitive and AI-ready manufacturing will be front and center at the show."

Advanced Manufacturing Showcase Takes Center Stage

Connected manufacturing technology will span across the Las Vegas Convention Center, including Central, North, and South Halls. The Advanced Manufacturing Showcase, produced by CTA and SME, will be located in LVCC Central Hall (booth #15425) and will highlight advanced U.S. manufacturing capabilities, featuring automation technology, advanced materials, and industrial software. The showcase will feature approximately a dozen exhibitors presenting technologies transforming modern production.

South Hall will focus on the global product design, sourcing, and production ecosystem, with exhibitors offering demonstrations on turning concepts into market-ready products. North Hall will feature industrial robotics, simulation software, and AI-enabled systems designed to boost productivity, improve safety, and strengthen supply chain performance.

New Manufacturing Track Headlines Conference Programming

CES 2026 will introduce a dedicated Manufacturing Track, open to all CES attendees. Featured speakers include National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President and CEO Jay Timmons, who will join CTA's Shapiro for a fireside chat titled "Charting the Future: Manufacturing, Innovation, and America's Competitive Edge." Timmons is expected to discuss how comprehensive manufacturing strategy, including smart workforce policy, can support U.S. manufacturing leadership amid global competition and rapid technological change.

SME Executive Director and CEO Jeannine Kunz will explore how new training models, skills development, and emerging technology are reshaping modern manufacturing and its implications for the workforce and economic growth.

Manufacturing track sessions include:

Beyond AI: The Technologies Powering the Future of Manufacturing
Made Here: Rethinking Manufacturing in a Shifting Global Landscape, featuring Barbara Humpton, CEO of USA Rare Earth
Manufacturing the Future: Energy. Mobility. AI, presented by JobsOhio
Powering Manufacturing Transformation with AI Partnerships, presented by EY

Additional related programming includes sessions from PwC, Deloitte, and PTC on topics ranging from connected product factories to intelligent robotics and product innovation.

Siemens CEO to Deliver Keynote on AI and Digital Twins

Siemens AG President and CEO Roland Busch will headline a CES 2026 keynote demonstrating how AI and digital twins are unleashing a new era of intelligent production and transforming manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation.

CES 2026 takes place January 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Registration is available at CES.tech.