LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — CES 2021, the largest tech convention in the world, won't bring tens of thousands of people to the Las Vegas resort corridor when it kicks off Monday because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The lack of the nearly 175,000 people who attended CES 2020 will serve as a physical reminder of the monumental challenges tech companies hope to rise to with new products to take center stage at the all virtual convention.
Technology tracker Tom's Guide said healthcare technology is expected to be a big part of the roughly 1,000 exhibitors presentations.
The guide said touchless home appliances, air purifiers, UV disinfectant machines, water filters, at-home workout equipment and wearable devices that track and collect data are expected to make appearances.
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The Consumer Technology Association runs CES, and CEO Gary Shapiro said networking technology advancements since the beginning of the pandemic have allowed them to transition to a digital format.
"We've been challenged, but we've also had opportunities, and the opportunity has been as a world we've moved through this digital transformation quicker by several years we would have otherwise," Shapiro said. "We've been forced to adapt and we have."
Other technologies expected to make large leaps with presentations at CES 2021 include 5G broadband, 8K televisions, robotics, and drones.
Shapiro said the Consumer Technology Association plans to return to an in-person format in Las Vegas in 2022.
