At the world’s most important technology trade show, currently taking place in Las Vegas, robots are showcasing increasingly advanced capabilities. Some now appear ready to replace humans in casino environments.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, the world’s leading consumer electronics exhibition—running in Las Vegas until January 9—once again highlights how robotics has become central to global technological innovation.
From Hyundai and Boston Dynamics’ humanoid robot Atlas, which walks and moves with near-human fluidity, to domestic robots capable of performing complex tasks such as loading washing machines and folding laundry, visitors are immersed in a world where artificial intelligence and automation are no longer futuristic concepts, but rapidly evolving realities.
Companies are focusing on a new generation of robots designed not only for specialized tasks but also to interact directly with people, suggesting a future in which humans and machines work side by side.
It has become clear that modern robots are built to assist, collaborate with, and in some cases replace humans in repetitive, physically demanding, or high-risk tasks.
Among the most fascinating—and controversial—applications is automation within casinos, particularly the possibility of robotic dealers operating gaming tables.
The idea of a machine capable of managing card distribution at a table or overseeing a complex roulette game may once have sounded like science fiction, but the progress showcased at CES 2026 and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence are making this scenario increasingly plausible.
Such systems could manage game dynamics with extreme precision and speed, handling bets, tracking outcomes, and dealing cards without any margin for error.
At the same time, thanks to advanced voice interfaces, they could interact naturally with players and supervise multiple tables simultaneously, ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Another key advantage would be increased transparency and impartiality in gaming operations, with a significant reduction in human-related inaccuracies.
This prospect opens up both exciting and complex scenarios. While robotic dealers could improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, they also raise important questions about the role of humans in the entertainment and hospitality industries.
As is often the case in debates around automation, concerns that robots could “replace” established professions are very real: dealers, cashiers, floor staff, and other casino employees could face reduced demand if these technologies become mainstream.
Robotics can certainly automate repetitive and physically demanding tasks, freeing people from certain duties and allowing them to focus on more creative, relational, and strategic activities.
Sectors such as live gaming—where human presence and social interaction are integral to the experience—may evolve in new ways: not only through robots replacing human performance, but also through machines enhancing it, assisting staff, and enriching the customer experience.
A robotic dealer, for example, could be deployed in automated gaming zones or dedicated areas, while human dealers remain central to more social table offerings such as blackjack. This hybrid model could represent a balanced approach between technological innovation and the preservation of human skills.
At CES 2026, robots are not just a technological attraction. They are a demonstration of future possibilities and a reflection of how the relationship between humans and machines is being redefined.
