At the "Tech Spring Festival Gala," robots were everywhere pouring coffee and folding clothes, but their speed was "astonishingly slow."

Humanoid robots are becoming the next big bet in the tech industry, but under the spotlight in Las Vegas, there remains an awkward pause of a few seconds between reality and vision.

At CES (Consumer Electronics Show) held in January 2026, humanoid robots took center stage. Scenes of robots pouring coffee, playing ping pong, dealing cards, and folding clothes were everywhere, with them just a few feet apart. But it seems they're a bit slow...

During a live demonstration, LG's new robot CLOiD waved both hands to attendees before beginning its tasks—“slowly” taking the clothes handed over by a staff member, then “slowly” turning its body, and then “slowly” loading the clothes into the washing machine. Although the whole process was successfully completed, it looked like it was played in “slow motion” on screen.

Video screenshots, same below

Even so, at Monday's press conference, LG executive Brandt Varner still confidently stated that CLOiD uses artificial intelligence and visual technology, and in the future may bake croissants for you before you go to work.

Apart from LG, companies such as SwitchBot, IntBot, and chip giant Qualcomm also showcased their latest achievements in the field of “physical artificial intelligence,” attempting to depict a future where robots serve as home assistants and companions.

At its booth, Qualcomm made a strong case that its processors and software form the backbone of physical AI, capable of powering home robots and full-sized humanoid robots. Meanwhile, IntBot’s machine Nylo answered questions on site without human assistance, with the company promising “real-world proof, not just demos.”

In more specialized fields, Boston Dynamics and its major shareholder Hyundai Motor announced they are testing the next-generation humanoid robot Atlas at their factory in Georgia. Boston Dynamics, with its robotic dog Spot and mobile robotic arm Stretch, has already been recognized as a leader in advanced robotics.

Additionally, companies such as Artly Coffee and VenHub Global demonstrated AI-driven robot cafes and convenience stores, showcasing the technology's potential in commercial services.

However, the live demonstrations exposed the awkward predicament of this technology: although the robots can already take on chores such as loading washing machines, their execution speed is extremely slow, and the costs are very high.

Although capital is flooding into the track, market observers point out that humanoid robots are still a long way off from true commercial launch. Current demonstrations are mostly “showing off skills” in controlled environments; to run safely and efficiently in ordinary households filled with unpredictability still faces huge technological and cost hurdles. In comparison, B-side applications in factories and logistics centers are more straightforward, and are expected to achieve scaled deployment before the C-side home scenarios.

For the market, the risk of short-term hype in this area is worth vigilance. Gartner’s research director bluntly pointed out that the most practical application for humanoid robots in recent years has often been “artificially inflating stock prices.” Although industry leaders like Boston Dynamics and Hyundai Motor are promoting next-generation robot testing, from “performers on the stage” to “contributors on financial statements,” these steel bodies still need to cross multiple barriers of safety, mobility, and economics.

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