These days, more and more technologies and disruptive markets are impacting the enterprise. Keeping up with the next big thing is critical to everyone. One way to keep up is through CES — where innovative and disruptive technology is on display.
Right now, I am here at CES 2016, the world’s largest trade event running from January 6 to 9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. All things new, innovative and disruptive in technology are on display for the more than 150,000 participants by over 3,600 exhibitors covering over 2 million square feet of display space. An official independent audit confirmed a record 176,676 industry professionals attended the 2015 CES. What will they see this year?
Wearables continue to occupy more and more of the floor space at CES as the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to develop. Among the over 3,600 displays are products chosen from the consumer technology sector. Enterprises should see increasing challenges to cyber-security as more and more employees bring these IoT products into the work place.
Robots have evolved to a next level with capabilities enhanced by the dramatic advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning. At CES 2016, the floor space dedicated to the Robotics Marketplace, has grown 71 per cent over the 2015 CES. 20 exhibitors will unveil the full range of robotic technologies that will impact how people go about their lives and how you do your business. How long will it be before your human resources department has to deal with this?
It also might be time to start thinking about increasing the number of charging stations in your company parking lot. Automotive technology is a significant theme at this year’s CES. Its use of over 200,000 square feet of floor space is a 25 per cent increase over the 2015 CES. Two concept all-electric vehicles will be announced, the Faraday Future, a concept car positioned to compete with Tesla and an all-electric Volkswagen. Is it time to reconsider your fleet?
Another disruptive product line that has increased presence at CES is virtual reality (VR). VR has progressed significantly since last year and will soon find increasing usage in many businesses.
This year marks a first for CES when one of its largest contributors, Living in Digital Times (LIDT), presents a full day session on digital money – what will money look like? That event covers all aspects of the currency and payment revolution. This is just one piece of the far reaching LIDT line. They also cover technology in a variety of lifestyle categories including beauty, fitness, babies, family and kids, and digital health. Much of what is covered has a direct positive impact on your most precious resource, your employees and seeks to ensure that consumers and families understand the impact and best use of technology.
“A product can be the coolest thing in the world,” says Robin Raskin, founder and president of Living in Digital Times. “But without the context to surround its use, without an educated consumer audience and with the appropriate distribution channels, it’s destined for failure. Anyone looking to position their products in the broader context of lifestyle can attend our conferences for discussion and market insight.”
CES 2016 is filled with innovation and iterative evolution of previously introduced disruptive technologies. It is worth it for every business to review the products being featured and assess their potential impact.