From Las Vegas to Mexico: Are We Ready for the Tech Revolution?

Robots that fold your clothes, devices that assist with walking, smart glasses, autonomous vehicles, and screens integrating the latest technology — each year, tech giants gather in Las Vegas to showcase their launches and innovations applied to various devices and consumer segments. It is a massive event that draws global attention. Yet, when we see these advances, one question arises: is Mexico truly prepared for this revolution?

Las Vegas: The Technological Stage

The year kicked off with the most important technology event in Las Vegas, CES 2026. Each year, a massive turnout is expected, with nearly 150,000 technology professionals from around the world, more than 450 companies, and 4,500 exhibitors.

In its 2026 edition, CES was dominated by artificial intelligence integrated into everyday products such as appliances, automobiles, or training systems; advances in robotics and digital health; and a strong presence from giants like Samsung, LG, Sony, Hisense, and innovative startups. The most talked-about launches include next-generation televisions, laptops with upgraded chips, health wearables, and intelligent household robots.

Global Innovation, Local Challenges

One of the central themes was AI integrated into all kinds of devices and gadgets. For Mexico, the challenge lies in developing specialized talent and establishing regulations or ethical codes for the use of such technology. While countries like the United States and regions such as Asia showcase massive applications of AI, Mexico still faces gaps in adoption, education, and training.

AI adoption in Mexico is in a phase of accelerated growth but still shows signs of lag compared to advanced regions. Overall, around 40% of organizations in Latin America already use AI to some extent, signaling significant progress. However, Mexico ranked seventh in the 2024 Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA), with 46.85 points, reflecting the need for more specific and targeted strategies to improve its relative position in the region.

Globally, Mexico shows adoption levels of 56.2% in traditional AI, 51.9% in generative AI, and 13.1% in AI agents.

Technological Potential in the Industrial Sector

Mexico has long been and continues to be a land of manufacturing across various sectors. The manufacturing industry represents approximately 20% of Mexico’s GDP, making it a key driver of the country’s economic growth. This industry has contributed to national economic expansion, generating jobs and exports, and is fundamental to Mexico’s industrial competitiveness.

In this context, Mexico has great potential to adopt industrial robotics to streamline manufacturing chains in sectors such as automotive. The risk lies in labor displacement, so every implementation must be accompanied by workforce reconversion policies. However, Mexico remains dependent on imports, making the development of domestic technology an opportunity to reach the level of countries like Japan and South Korea, which lead global robotics.

Digital Health

Many of the innovations presented at CES relate to digital health and biotechnology: biometric devices, personalized medicine platforms. In Mexico’s urban areas, many of these advances are already in use. Yet, can these technological tools reach rural areas and strengthen telemedicine?

In Mexico, 23 million people live in rural areas, across approximately 185,000 localities, many with limited or no access to quality healthcare services. Technology has been a driver of social progress, and as researchers Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt — winners of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Economics — point out, innovation can lead to sustained growth.

Equity in Access to Technology

The question is whether this growth and access to technology is equitable or only reaches a small proportion of the population. In some countries, especially those that are technology producers, new tools and advances permeate more broadly. However, in countries like Mexico, which, while a strategic market and strong consumer, is not a producer, access and adoption of technology are much more limited. This situation creates technological dependency, with implications for security.

Global Trends

The three technological currents that are going to shape the future and were present at CES are: intelligent transformation, longevity, and future engineering. The first refers to how companies are able to integrate advanced digital technologies, such as AI, into all aspects of an organization to improve operational efficiency, decision-making, and customer experience. This combination allows companies to automate processes, analyze data more deeply, and predict future trends.

The second refers to the relevance that many technological companies give to older adults and how it can support their lives. Population aging drives the industry to think about scalable and economically sustainable solutions. By 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be over 60 years old, and the group over 80 will be the fastest growing. In this regard, the digital health market is growing in double digits alongside active aging. The third is the engineering of the future, which aims to be efficient and sustainable.

Conclusion

A global event like CES reflects the competition among technology-producing countries in Asia, Europe, and America, such as the United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, among others, and focuses on mass consumption of technological innovations across various fields. Yet, the participation of other countries is overshadowed by the sector’s giants. Latin America lags behind in technology development; countries like Brazil and India seek to position themselves, but Mexico still needs to define its strategy, invest in digital sovereignty, and foster national development.