CES 2026: what the drone trade ought to be careful for

CES 2026, thought of the biggest tech occasion on the planet, is going on this week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hosted by the Shopper Expertise Affiliation (CTA), the tech occasion kicks off 2026 with greater than 150,000 attendees anticipated to browse choices from hundreds of exhibitors unfold throughout a number of accommodations and conference facilities in The Metropolis that By no means Sleeps.

And whereas the occasion spans all issues tech — from wearable well being gadgets to driverless vehicles to AI — it definitely means loads of innovation within the realm of drones. The merchandise revealed and promoted at CES 2026 will set the tone for what the drone trade can count on within the 12 months forward.

The occasion formally runs Tuesday, Jan. 6 via Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. Right here’s what drone pilots and trade professionals can count on from CES 2026:

1. Antigravity A1: The world’s first 8K 360° drone

The Antigravity A1 drone might fully redefine what’s attainable in aerial cinematography. This CES 2026 Better of Innovation winner within the Drones class includes a dual-lens 360° digicam system that captures seamless, spherical footage with out blind spots.

I’ve already received my palms on it (as you possibly can see in my unboxing video) and am within the midst of reviewing it myself.

It’s a 360-degree drone, which means it captures the entire panorama round it. However right here’s what makes it groundbreaking: proprietary algorithms make the drone invisible in each real-time footage and ultimate renders. The drone comes with imaginative and prescient goggles, which remodel drone flight into a completely immersive 360° expertise, letting pilots go searching freely as in the event that they’re really there.

And for photographers? No extra worrying about exact framing mid-flight — you possibly can reframe pictures in post-production.

The Grip movement controller simplifies navigation with point-to-fly gestures, dramatically decreasing the educational curve for brand new pilots. And at simply 249 grams, the A1 complies with most world drone rules whereas that includes a foldable design for distinctive portability.

2. A water-surface leisure drone

You’ve seen all of the drone gentle reveals within the sky, however what about drone reveals on water? This could be the subsequent factor in nighttime leisure.

ARIVIA Water-Floor Drone from SPACEONE Fukushima claims to be the world’s first autonomous buoy-type water-surface drone. It’s geared up with programmable LED lighting and controllable fountain jets. This 2026 CES Honoree in Drones seamlessly integrates LED illumination, precision fountain techniques, GPS navigation, and onboard audio.

A number of models can synchronize to rework any water floor — harbors, resorts, vacationer landmarks, or swimming pools — right into a choreographed efficiency stage. Future enhancements could embrace laser projection, mist results and underwater lighting. They’ve even advised the potential of scent dispersion for immersive, multi-sensory experiences.

And simply as drones are used for not simply leisure however points of constructing the world higher resembling environmental assist, that’s the case with these water drones too. Past leisure, ARIVIA helps environmental monitoring by capturing real-time information resembling water temperature, turbidity, and oxygen ranges. Its modular design and sturdy waterproof housing make it adaptable for each short-term occasions and long-term installations worldwide.

3. Superior Air Mobility classes you possibly can’t miss

CES 2026 is placing important emphasis on the way forward for flight. Don’t miss “The Future is Airborne” session on Thursday, January 8 at 4:00 PM (LVCC, West Stage 2, W219). This panel dives into the newest on eVTOL and superior air mobility, exploring how industrial makes use of are retreating and assembly certification and security requirements.

Audio system embrace Adam Goldstein, Founder and CEO of Archer Aviation, and Darren ‘Taz’ Sekiguchi, Managing Director of Advertising and marketing, Provide Chain & Knowledge at Amazon Prime Air (sure, that’s Amazon’s drone supply arm). In the event you’re monitoring the commercialization of drone supply or city air mobility, that is important viewing.

Additionally try “Manufacturing the Future: Vitality. Mobility. AI.” on Wednesday, January 7 at 1:00 PM, that includes JoeBen Bevirt, Founder/CEO of Joby Aviation.

4. Wing talks drone supply enlargement

“Meals Supply 2035: Drones, Robots, and Underground Tunnels” on Wednesday, January 7 at 2:00 PM (Venetian, Stage 4, Lando 4302) is a must-attend for anybody monitoring the commercialization of drone supply.

Heather Rivera, Chief Enterprise Officer at Wing, will focus on the way forward for autonomous supply alongside leaders from different supply platforms. Wing’s latest enlargement to Atlanta and continued operations in markets like Texas (aka the “Drone Star State” display that drone supply isn’t only a futuristic idea — it’s taking place now and scaling quickly.

With Wing already finishing lots of of hundreds of deliveries throughout a number of continents, this session will discover how drones, sidewalk robots, and different autonomous techniques will reshape last-mile supply by 2035. If you’d like perception into the place the drone supply trade is headed from considered one of its most profitable operators, that is the session to attend.

5. A revolutionary water sampling drone

Hydro Hawk from DummDumm Inc. gained the CES Better of Innovation award in Sensible Communities for good purpose. This 5G-enabled aerial water sampling system brings the lab to the water, flying to distant or hazardous websites to gather as much as 4 liters of water at exact depths.

It immediately analyzes key indicators like pH, turbidity, and conductivity, with real-time information transmission over 5G and totally traceable digital logs. Confirmed in subject trials to scale back time and value by over 60%, Hydro Hawk eliminates the necessity for boats, lengthy journey occasions, and delayed lab outcomes.

For environmental businesses, utilities, and industrial operators, this might signify a large leap ahead in water high quality monitoring effectivity and security.

6. The expanded CES Creator Area

Given what number of drone professionals (nicely, and all kinds of individuals in tech!) are additionally content material creators, the CES Creator Area is greater and higher for 2026. It’s moved to a brand new dwelling in Central Corridor and is now open to all CES badge holders — a big enlargement from earlier years.

The house is designed to spark connections between content material creators, exhibitors, and types, supporting peer-to-peer networking and actual business-building alternatives proper within the coronary heart of the present ground. Surrounding exhibitors showcase expertise designed to enhance creators’ workflows and manufacturing — significantly related for drone pilots who monetize their aerial footage.

The CES Creator Stage options three days of classes centered on the creator financial system, efficiency metrics, model partnerships, and commerce. Standout classes embrace:

• “State of the Creator Financial system” on Tuesday, January 6 at 10:30 AM
• “Partnering with Objective: Constructing Lengthy-Time period Model Relationships” on Tuesday, January 6 at 2:15 PM
• “What Metrics for Success Will Look Like in 2026” on Wednesday, January 7 at 2:15 PM

For drone content material creators trying to monetize their work, perceive platform algorithms, or construct sustainable model partnerships, this is a useful useful resource that’s been considerably enhanced for 2026.

Navigate CES 2026 like a professional

CES spans a number of venues, together with the Las Vegas Conference Heart (LVCC), Venetian Expo and numerous accommodations. Familiarize your self with the areas of key occasions and cubicles utilizing the official CES map and cellular app to keep away from pointless backtracking.

Obtain the CES app — it’s useful for managing your schedule, finding exhibitors, and staying up to date on last-minute modifications. This 12 months’s app includes a new AI chatbot, transportation updates, translations for choose classes, and “Attendee Join” to share contact data by way of QR code.

Be ready for many strolling. Carry good strolling footwear and snacks. To keep away from crowds, go to common cubicles early within the morning or late within the day. CES affords shuttle providers between main venues, so use these or rideshare apps to navigate effectively, particularly between the Strip and off-Strip areas.

And convey a moveable charger in your telephone.

In the event you’re heading to Vegas for CES 2026 and nonetheless haven’t booked a room, money charges are excessive. Try NerdWallet’s information to the most effective Las Vegas accommodations on factors. I’m a fan of the Bellagio.

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