By Kinesso’s Christy MacLeod and Hailey Smith

The main theme of CES this year was “Affectionate Intelligence,” not to be confused with AI but seemingly labeled with the same acronym to soften our response and perhaps even open consumers up to welcoming a form of AI into their homes.

Affectionate Intelligence came to life through a variety of products that were all designed with the hope that their life in our home could actually benefit the humans living there. This trend came in the form of practical product solutions like vacuum-sealed fridge drawers, embedded counter phone charges, or spoons that use electric current to make our food taste like salt has been added.

However, it also came in the form of other more AI-data driven products like living systems that monitor what the needs are within the home, office or hotel and then alert others to devices needing to be serviced, or to help an older person who has fallen in their room, or by sending a vacuum to clean the floor after a morning workout – all solutions that pointed to a trend in which the products themselves are built to help us be healthier and think less about how to tell products to do things and instead have them just “know” to do steps or actions themselves.

Otherwise titled the “year of the human” and moving from a “do it yourself” mentality to a “do it for me” pattern, it was clear that many products weren’t just trying to reach the early adopters, but were actually solutions that anyone could add to their home and create an easier living environment for themselves and their families.

While some of these product solutions seemed inevitable, one component that many consumers would need to consider before utilizing these products was the necessity of data collection throughout the day or home in order to teach the AI models how to “do it for you.” The fact that that this data could be collected in very subtle solutions (i.e. a cute circular face with digital eyes watching the action around it) and easily be converted and fed into the models before starting to activate various devices (according to the consumer needs) was mind blowing in itself.

However, for many, this step is one that will take time for consumers to get used to regardless of the helpful “Affectionate Intelligence” that can be offered to them. As more and more benefits of this change in lifestyle and product acceptance are seen, consumers will move towards this data collection and sharing in order to help them become better, healthier and more efficient versions of themselves.

Another theme that stood out was security and sustainability. As a counterbalance to the widespread AI solutions, there was notable focus on technologies to combat climate challenges and increase clean energy solutions to offset the impacts of AI servers. From a security perspective, solutions to fight phishing scams were impressive. SK Telecom (pictured) was recognized as “2025 Best of Innovation” for its work in this space, and it was clear why. The company is using AI to proactively identify phishing calls and warn consumers when an incoming call may be malicious. SK is also tackling text phishing scams – which are on the rise more and more – by using AI to converse with the scammer to elicit information about the trap, which is then collected and used to shut down the activity.

It was no surprise that AI was the silver thread among nearly all exhibits on the expansive show floor, but it was exciting to see the practical application and day-to-day value in so much of it. It was more a sense of AI (Affectionate Intelligence) for the better, and not simply AI (Artificial Intelligence) shoehorned for AI’s sake. From AI-supported veterinary scans to more effectively diagnose our furry friends, to an AI tennis coach giving real-time corrections on your swing, to the broad integration of AI throughout the home – our day at CES really illustrated the extent to which AI will soon be harmonized with every aspect of our lives.

Christy MacLeod is Kinesso’s chief data and solutions officer, while Hailey Smith is VP, head of search. Kinesso is IPG Mediabrands’ performance marketing arm