Physical AI in spotlight at Japan's electronics show CEATEC

The Combined Exhibition of Advanced Technologies 2026 commenced on Tuesday at the Makuhari Messe convention center in Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. The spotlight of the exhibition was on artificial intelligence (AI) powered robots and machinery demonstrating autonomous operation.

The major electronics show is attended by 821 companies and organizations showcasing advanced AI technologies. The event opens during a time when new AI models are being developed at a rapid pace, a concern that top executives at tech giants suggest should be moderated.

Mitsubishi Electric Corp. and Hitachi Ltd. are among the exhibitors, showcasing AI technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of robots and machinery at manufacturing sites. Other exhibitors focus on disaster prevention and cybersecurity, fields that are drawing increasing attention.

The Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, the event's organizer, anticipates over 110,000 visitors throughout the four-day event, which runs until Friday. This projection includes a mobility show held concurrently with the exhibition. The number of startups and university research institutions participating is a record high at 246, up from 232 last year. Notably, first-time exhibitors comprise 41 percent of the total participants.

The Japan Mobility Show Bizweek 2026, a business-focused exhibition organized by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, features automakers and other companies showcasing technologies, including autonomous driving.