The Rise of the Machines

CES doesn’t phase me anymore. After years of traveling to Vegas to be dazzled by the latest technology and gadget innovations, it all feels meh. But maybe that’s the problem — we’ve become immune to the growing intrusiveness of our connected lives.

It wasn't until my boss reacted with a "that's SUPER creepy" to a car that can identify your gender, that I really started paying attention.

Everywhere I went on the show floor, cameras, sensors, and little electronic eyes constantly followed me. Each one trying to guess my mood, age, weight, posture, and what I ate for lunch (well, not the last one, but who knows what the future holds). The best part is, each brand claimed that gathering all this information would actually make my life easier and more secure.

But how comfortable am I sharing everything about myself? What are they doing with all this data? Can I even opt out at this point?

I'm weirdly excited to see where these advancements take us. My boss is contemplating his escape out of the city and into a bunker outfitted with only a landline. As for you, please enjoy a sneak peek into the future.

“Alexa, play melancholy song.”

Smart Cocoon by Valeo tracks your heart rate and respiration but can also tell your age and gender. All of it to supposedly create a more comfortable driving experience. So, if the car detects that you’re having a heated argument with your significant other, it will blow cold air into your face to cool you down.

BMW's i Interaction Ease concept takes it a step further by adding sensors that let you control everything inside the car with your gaze and gestures—allowing you to be the ultimate couch potato inside. I think the next step is letting machines read my mind, because waving my hand is already too tiring.

Meere's 3D facial recognition camera can be used by smart home appliances. So why does your smart refrigerator need to register your face while you pick out a snack at 3 a.m.? Is there a database that knows I drink milk from the carton every morning at 6:45?

Ares' biometric security camera stores information not only about your appearance, but also your voice. How nice would it be for hackers to gain access to this information so they can, I don’t know, call your mom and tell her you love her with your own voice?

The Autel EVO 2 drone is equipped with a thermal camera. No hiding from this one. Anywhere.

If you're still concerned about posting your child's photos on social media, how about a baby monitor that stores information about what your kid looks like.

There is no way to hide your feelings from these special sensors and cameras designed to monitor you while you're driving. I wish the car was also able to wipe my tears as I cry on the highway because I took the wrong exit.

Forpheus, a ping pong robot from Omron, gathers information about you as you play. On top of tracking your body movements, it monitors your heart rate, blink frequency, and how happy you are. Not sure how my smile level can make me a better player. Maybe next year, when they teach it to speak, I can ask Forpheus.

Smart mirrors, beauty cameras, and apps were another trend at CES 2020. You're sharing the most sensitive information about yourself, like that little pimple nobody should know about, and in return you're making it easier for beauty companies to sell you products.

Another example of a car cockpit of the future. While you're watching the road, it watches you. Don’t forget to smile.

This cute little car is designed to help you with grocery shopping. It follows you around, it knows where you live, so you don't need to schlep everything on your own.

Written by

Zlata Ivleva
Photos by

Zlata Ivleva, Sasha Lekach, Mikayla Whitmore
Creative Director

Dustin Drankoski