TechCrunch Mobility: 'Physical AI' enters the hype machine
TechCrunch • • business
Key Points:
- The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas highlighted a shift from traditional U.S. automakers to autonomous vehicle tech companies, Chinese automakers, and physical AI innovations, including robotics and embodied AI applications.
- Hyundai showcased robotics prominently at CES, featuring Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robot and new autonomous vehicle charging robots, signaling a strong industry focus on humanoid and physical AI technologies.
- President Trump’s recent comments welcoming Chinese automakers to the U.S. have caused concern within the auto industry and face legal hurdles due to existing U.S. restrictions on Chinese connected vehicles; meanwhile, Canada is reducing import taxes on Chinese EVs.
- Significant mobility sector deals include Allegiant’s $1.5 billion acquisition of Sun Country
