Intelligent Systems Take Centre Stage in the Sustainability Transition

LAS VEGAS, January 9, 2026 – CES 2026 offered a powerful signal that the sustainability transition is entering a new phase — one increasingly driven by intelligence, optimisation and systems-level efficiency, rather than standalone green technologies alone.

Across the event, artificial intelligence and automation were consistently positioned as critical enablers of resource efficiency, emissions reduction and operational resilience. Rather than focusing solely on electrification or renewable inputs, many exhibitors showcased how AI-driven optimisation can reduce waste, extend asset lifecycles and improve energy efficiency across industrial, mobility and infrastructure systems.

AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su highlighted during CES that AI is reshaping how industries design, operate and scale their systems — a message that resonated strongly with sustainability-focused audiences. From smart manufacturing platforms capable of predictive maintenance to AI-enabled energy management systems, the emphasis was firmly on doing more with less.

Mobility innovations further reinforced this narrative. Autonomous and software-defined vehicles, particularly shared mobility platforms, point to a future where better utilisation of transport assets could reduce congestion and emissions. The growing visibility of autonomous vehicle testing in real-world environments suggests that efficiency gains from AI-led mobility may soon move from theory to practice.

CES 2026 also underscored the importance of integration. Sustainability outcomes are increasingly shaped not by isolated solutions, but by how intelligence is embedded across entire value chains — from production and logistics to consumption and reuse. This systems approach aligns closely with climate goals that require coordinated, scalable change.

As CES 2026 concluded, the sustainability takeaway was clear: the next wave of climate progress will be driven as much by smarter systems as by cleaner energy. The challenge now lies in ensuring that these powerful technologies are deployed responsibly, equitably and at scale.