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.

The increasing focus at CES has been on software, automotive chips, and what Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has termed "physical AI." This concept, also known as embodied AI, refers to the application of artificial intelligence in physical environments rather than solely in the digital realm.

Physical AI integrates AI models with sensors, cameras, and motorized controls to enable physical objects, such as humanoid robots, drones, autonomous forklifts, and robotaxis, to perceive and interpret their surroundings. This allows these machines to make decisions and interact with the physical world autonomously.

Waymo, for example, rebranded its Zeekr RT, demonstrating the ongoing development and refinement of autonomous vehicle technology. The presence of numerous companies specializing in autonomous vehicle tech highlights the growing investment and innovation in this sector. The absence of major U.S. automakers underscores a strategic shift in the automotive industry, with technology companies and international manufacturers taking a more prominent role in shaping the future of transportation.