U.S. automakers have significantly reduced their presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, making way for a surge of autonomous vehicle technology companies and related industries. The shift was observed at the recent CES, where companies like Zoox, Tensor Auto, Tier IV, and Waymo, along with Chinese automakers Geely and GWM, showcased their latest advancements.

A key trend identified at the show was the increasing prevalence of what Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang terms "physical AI," also known as embodied AI. This concept refers to the application of artificial intelligence in physical environments, moving beyond purely digital applications. Physical AI integrates AI models with sensors, cameras, and motorized controls to enable devices like humanoid robots, drones, autonomous forklifts, and robotaxis to perceive and interact with their surroundings.

The integration of AI with physical systems allows these machines to detect and understand their environment, making decisions based on real-time data. This technology is seen as crucial for the development of autonomous vehicles and other robotic systems that need to operate safely and efficiently in complex, real-world scenarios. Waymo, for example, rebranded its Zeekr RT, highlighting the company's continued investment in autonomous vehicle technology. The increased presence of Chinese automakers like Geely and GWM also signals a growing global interest and competition in the autonomous vehicle market.