Robots and AI helpers frequently make headlines, but the technology that truly impacts daily routines can be found in everyday items such as outlets, doorways, and kitchen counters. Global Connect’s exhibition at CES 2026 on January 5th showcases this foundational innovation, uniting brands that address practical issues like ensuring phone charging during power outages, purifying tap water, safeguarding devices from falls, and enhancing security with biometric accuracy at entry points. These solutions are not just ambitious ideas seeking venture capital; they are products already being delivered to households and businesses, honed through actual usage and customer input.
iMpact PR’s exclusive villa format offers utility-focused companies a platform to demonstrate the difference between functional technology and mere marketing claims in a four-hour window. Brands like Bluetti with their portable power stations, Waterdrop Filter’s reverse osmosis systems, Benks’ protective accessories, Xthings’ integrated smart home solutions, Autel’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and Monai’s baby monitors represent the less glamorous side of CES – where innovation means enhancing essential tasks to be more dependable, efficient, or simply less bothersome. The villa setup eliminates flashy booth gimmicks, allowing journalists to test the practical effectiveness of these everyday solutions beyond the glossy promotional videos.
Benks places a strong emphasis on Kevlar in its Armor series, showcasing impact protection that is not only effective but also sleek and compact. Models like ArmorAir, ArmorPro, and ArmorLite all leverage DuPont Kevlar fiber as a sturdy foundation, complemented by slim designs, raised lens frames, and MagSafe compatibility. Each variant boasts distinct characteristics – from classic woven textures to color-blocked patterns – offering a range of protective cases that can withstand daily wear while still maintaining an appealing aesthetic appeal.
In addition to their protective cases, Benks offers a comprehensive ecosystem of accessories including GlassWarrior screen protectors, camera lens shields, magnetic power banks, wallet stands, and grips that echo the same design language. These accessories allow users to create a cohesive setup centered around a unified visual theme instead of mixing disparate elements. What sets Benks apart is their commitment to balancing style and durability seamlessly: Kevlar is not just a feature but an integral part of the design language across their product range.
Autel’s presence at Global Connect shifts the focus towards energy infrastructure rather than their well-known aerial drones under Autel Robotics. This division concentrates on electric vehicle charging solutions and ground-based autonomous systems spanning from residential installations to high-powered commercial chargers offering outputs ranging from 12kW AC to 480kW DC. Autel’s lineup includes models like MaxiCharger AC Compact Gen2 for residential use delivering 12kW with rapid installation features and bidirectional charging capability. Commercial options like DC50 and DC100 cater to different needs with compact designs ideal for various settings including underground parking lots and fleet depots.
The Avant robot platform by Autel applies autonomous technology to streamline charging operations and inspection tasks traditionally requiring human intervention. The Avant Charging Robot facilitates round-the-clock EV charging for fleet applications using advanced computer vision and precision robotics for accurate port location and connection procedures. On the other hand, the Avant Autonomous Inspection Robot navigates energy facilities with precision positioning accuracy to conduct detailed inspections ensuring safety protocols are met while minimizing human exposure in hazardous environments.
At Global Connect event, Xthings introduces three new additions to its smart home ecosystem featuring innovative lock variants emphasizing hands-free access convenience. The Bolt UWB utilizes Ultra-Wideband technology for automatic unlocking upon approaching the door with swift sub-0.5 second response times while supporting multiple access methods including NFC cards and smartphone apps. Meanwhile, the Bolt Mission employs Matter-certified technology for precise hands-free unlocking within close proximity ensuring security standards compliance alongside seamless integration with popular smart home platforms.
The Ulticam IQ Floodlight combines cutting-edge 4K Ultra HD surveillance capabilities with integrated 2000-lumen floodlights offering extensive coverage along with advanced AI detection features processed locally for privacy protection. Equipped with edge AI algorithms for real-time people and vehicle detection combined with optional cloud analysis powered by Gemini-class AI ensures accurate threat assessments while maintaining data privacy standards. This versatile camera system integrates seamlessly within U home app allowing automation scenarios such as synchronized lighting adjustments based on access control events creating a cohesive home automation experience across Xthings’ expanding device range encompassing cameras, plugs, switches running on various protocols including Matter, Zigbee, Z-Wave among others.
Cuneflow introduces an e-ink notebook designed to bridge traditional handwriting practices with AI-driven capabilities facilitating seamless note-taking experiences enriched with background processing functionalities. Featuring Wacom stylus compatibility on a high-resolution e-ink display coupled with intelligent audio recording capabilities for meeting notes organization enables users to effortlessly capture insights without manual transcription efforts. The device further leverages AI analysis for real-time collaboration during meetings by generating summaries based on handwritten notes ensuring efficient knowledge management workflows within hybrid work environments.
Monai revolutionizes baby monitoring technology by leveraging over a decade of specialized AI research tailored towards infant care introducing an active monitoring system that goes beyond conventional video streaming functionalities. The Monai camera system is equipped with advanced features such as identifying suffocation risks through covered-face detection mechanisms along with cry pattern recognition enabling caregivers to differentiate between infant needs effectively enhancing sleep cycle tracking functionality supported by automatic milestone capture eliminating manual recording efforts providing comprehensive insights into child development effortlessly.
PixVerse reaches a significant user base surpassing 100 million users globally across diverse regions offering innovative capabilities in video content creation through its V5.5 release introducing multi-shot cinematic narrative tools enabling users to craft immersive storytelling experiences autonomously based on simple prompts driving user engagement beyond traditional single-shot outputs enhancing creative expression through intuitive editing features catering to diverse audience preferences across various cultural contexts fostering community-driven content creation initiatives globally.
Waterdrop Filter unveils the A1 countertop reverse osmosis system redefining traditional water filtration concepts into an intuitive smart device resembling a coffee machine offering versatile temperature settings catering to diverse beverage needs ranging from chilled water to near-boiling temperatures without requiring complex installation processes aligning sustainability principles by utilizing advanced biodegradable materials ensuring eco-friendly operations reducing environmental impact effectively.
Beetles introduces the Ophiuchus Lucky Box gel polish kit inspired by zodiac aesthetics merging salon-quality manicure experiences into accessible home-use kits reflecting contemporary beauty trends incorporating cat-eye finishes creating mesmerizing celestial effects resonating with consumers’ fascination towards astrology-themed products bridging professional nail services with DIY convenience tailored towards premium yet affordable beauty experiences fostering creative self-expression within personal grooming routines.
Bluetti unveils Elite 100 V2 Bio-Based Edition portable power station pioneering sustainability practices through bio-circular plastics derived from recycled sources reducing environmental footprint while maintaining durable performance standards setting new benchmarks in eco-conscious product design catering towards eco-conscious consumers seeking reliable yet environmentally friendly power solutions promoting sustainable living practices effectively aligning business objectives with environmental stewardship commitments facilitating responsible consumption behaviors among diverse consumer segments worldwide.
Gravity introduces Universe Time desk clock reimagining time-telling devices into futuristic art pieces integrating innovative levitating pointers orbiting around planet-themed bases utilizing Free-Floating Technology delivering immersive time-telling experiences blending artistry with functionality through interactive motion modes ambient light customization features enabling personalized user engagements transforming conventional clock designs into modern decor elements enriching living spaces through novel timepiece innovations transcending traditional clock design norms fostering unique user interactions within everyday living environments promoting creative expression through futuristic design concepts reshaping conventional time-telling conventions into contemporary