Quick Summary:

  • CES 2026 showcased innovations for homes and construction.
  • Highlights include a smart drill, cordless kitchen appliances, and an AI microwave.
  • This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focusing on gadgets with real-world potential.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

We made it to CES 2026 in Las Vegas — largest consumer electronics show in the world, running since 1967 (Consumer Electronics Show). With over 2.5 million square feet of space and 140,000+ attendees every year, it's a true spectacle. I've attended numerous trade shows over the years, but with 20 years of construction experience, my goal is always the same: find innovations that actually improve homes, job sites, or daily life in the construction space.

This year, I walked miles hunting for gadgets that matter for real people — not just flashy concepts. The show is packed with AI, robots, and futuristic toys, but I narrowed it down to items with genuine home/construction potential. Here are my Top 5 from CES 2026 (in no particular order) — Part 1 of 2.

1. Robbox X – World's First Smart Digital Power Drill

Robbox X smart digital power drill with touchscreen showing bubble level and depth control, laser measuring distance on wooden beam, advanced construction tool for precise drilling


The Robbox X is the world's first smart digital power drill with a touchscreen interface — and it blew me away.

Right off the bat, you get a built-in digital bubble level that moves in real time. It guides you to drill perfectly horizontal or vertical (green bubble when in range), and you can adjust tolerance from 1° to 5°. Want a custom angle? Set 15° downward — hold it straight, and the screen shows you're off until you hit the exact mark.

Double-tap to calibrate on angled surfaces (e.g., 43.4° on a sloped beam). Depth control is next-level: set 1 inch, touch the material, pull the trigger — it stops automatically. No tape, no manual depth stops — pure software magic.

You also get custom speed (down to 25 RPM in gear 1) and torque settings via digital motor control (5–10% accuracy). No more torque ring — just dial it in. Anti-strip, anti-kick, turn control (fasten to exact rotations), and smart speed presets based on material/drill bit (e.g., stainless steel, 800 RPM, cobalt bit recommended).

There's even a laser for measuring distance from drill to surface (front or back). Presets save your favorite setups.

Availability: First batch out now, next batch end of January 2026. Buy direct at roboxtools.com or select Canadian retailers.

For anyone on a job site tired of guesswork, this is a game-changer.

2. Wireless Power Consortium – Cordless Kitchen Revolution

Cordless kitchen appliances using Wireless Power Consortium induction transfer, blender, kettle, toaster, air fryer operating without cords, clean modern kitchen

The Wireless Power Consortium showed off the future of kitchen appliances: cordless everything using induction power transfer.

Place a blender on the induction cooktop — blue light confirms connection — turn it on, and power flows wirelessly (up to 2.2 kW). No cords, no batteries. Move it off — power stops, surface stays cool. Same spot works for a toaster, kettle, air fryer, juicer — any compatible device.

Under-counter versions hide the tech completely — clean counters forever. They standardize so brands work together.

Availability: Certification ongoing — first products expected Q3 2026.

For home cooks or anyone tired of cord clutter, this could transform kitchens.

3. LG AI Microwave Oven

LG AI microwave oven scanning dough with built-in camera, displaying recommended cooking settings on touchscreen, smart kitchen appliance for multitasking

LG's new microwave isn't just for heating leftovers — it's a smart kitchen assistant.

Put raw dough in — the built-in camera scans it, suggests settings (croissants, time, temp, rack position). It monitors browning and notifies you when ready. Add a breakfast pizza — track both at once.

Bonus features: watch TV, browse recipes/internet, calendar display, built-in fan.

Availability: Not yet on market — LG teased it at CES, expected later 2026.

For busy households, this could save time and reduce guesswork.

4. Place – Next-Gen Smart Smoke & CO Alarm

Place smart smoke and CO alarm mounted on ceiling, smartphone app showing temperature, humidity, motion, and CO levels, next-gen home safety and monitoring device

Place expands the traditional smoke alarm into a full home monitor.

Sensors detect temperature, humidity, motion, methane, VOCs, CO. Voice notifications, low-frequency alerts for hearing-impaired, smart nightlight. Companion app shows historical data.

Variants: nursery (white noise, camera, intercom), garage (heat + CO + camera). Self-monitored (cloud video optional subscription).

Availability: Now at Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.

For families wanting smarter, safer homes, Place is a no-brainer upgrade.

5. Paintcam – AI Paintball Security System

Paintcam AI paintball security system mounted outdoors, laser guide aiming at target, intruder detection in action, non-lethal home and job site security solution

Paintcam is an outdoor AI security device that deters intruders (human or animal) with paintballs.

Face recognition triggers voice warning ("You are not allowed here"), laser guide, and shoots non-lethal paintballs (sting + mace blend) to mark targets for police. Animal mode shoots at ground to scare coyotes/deer/bears.

Two zones: large warning area + inner action zone.

Availability: Pre-series A startup — testing with mining companies, expected 2026. Website: paintcam.net

Unusual but innovative for rural homes or job sites.

Final Thoughts

These five innovations show CES 2026's focus on practical home/construction upgrades. Stay tuned for Part 2 (leaf blowers, construction robots, electric skid steers & more). Which one excites you most? Comment below!

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the Robbox X drill be available for purchase?

A: The next batch is scheduled for the end of January 2026. You can purchase it directly from roboxtools.com or through select Canadian retailers. The first batch is already sold out due to high demand.

Q: How safe are the cordless kitchen appliances from Wireless Power Consortium?

A: The wireless power transfer uses induction technology similar to existing induction cooktops. The surface stays cool when appliances are removed, and there are built-in safety protocols to prevent accidental activation. The consortium follows strict safety certification standards.

Q: Does the LG AI microwave require an internet connection?

A: While the microwave can function without internet for basic cooking, features like recipe browsing, TV streaming, and remote monitoring require a Wi-Fi connection. The AI scanning and cooking recommendations work offline once the initial setup is complete.

Q: How does Place compare to traditional smoke alarms?

A: Place includes all standard smoke and CO detection capabilities but adds temperature monitoring, humidity sensing, motion detection, and air quality monitoring. It also features voice alerts, low-frequency alarms for hearing-impaired users, and smart home integration via its companion app.

Q: Is Paintcam legal for residential use?

A: Paintcam is designed as a non-lethal security system, but regulations vary by location. It's currently being tested with industrial and mining companies. Before residential adoption, users should check local laws regarding automated defense systems and paintball-based security devices.

Q: Are these innovations affordable for average homeowners?

A: Prices vary: Robbox X is a premium tool for professionals, while Place smoke alarms are priced competitively with other smart home devices. The cordless kitchen tech will likely debut at premium prices before becoming more affordable as adoption increases.

📱 More from MadTech

Check out these related articles from our blog:

Visit MadTech Blog for More Tech Insights →