Three Trends We Anticipate Seeing at CES 2025

By: Lesley Rohrbaugh

This year’s CES is sure to bring crowds of tech enthusiasts from around the world looking for the latest and greatest innovations in product development.

Since 2016, I have been attending CES alongside industry leaders and startups to dive into how companies are thinking about emerging technologies. It is my second CES since joining UL Standards & Engagement, and while I’ve always valued product safety, I think about it differently and more cohesively now that I am working for a safety advocacy organization.

Innovation without safety risks being slowed or even stopped. As the excitement of new inventions grows so must the conversations around product safety to ensure continued progress. As I prepare for my next trip to CES, here are three trends worth watching:

Inclusive Innovation will be Integrated into More Products

Innovation for all is essential to create a more inclusive and equitable world, and manufacturers and inventors play a key role in achieving this. By designing solutions that address the needs of vulnerable populations – such as individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those in underserved communities – companies ensure that everyone can benefit from advancements in technology and services. Initiatives like assistive technologies, tools for aging in place, and accessible infrastructure empower individuals to live with greater independence, dignity, and opportunity. True innovation thrives when it considers the diverse needs of society, fostering progress that uplifts everyone.

We can expect to see a wide range of tech that works to achieve this goal. Smart home devices have flooded the market for their unique appeal to consumers, but they also have features that allow users with mobility restrictions to control lighting, appliances, and more through voice commands. The latest Apple AirPods have a new feature that allows users to also use the device as hearing aids. Ultra-wide broadband innovation has allowed those in underserved communities to have access to connectivity. These technological advancements will only continue to grow.

Emerging Tech Reaches the Individual Consumer Market

The consumerization of emerging technology is reshaping the tech landscape, bringing once-exclusive products into the hands of everyday users. High-tech products and services once reserved for macro uses, like AI for large-scale hospital systems, will reach the micro level of the everyday consumer. This shift reflects a trend in tech use, where large-scale innovations are tailored for individual convenience. As companies strive to make cutting-edge technology more accessible and user-friendly, this trend harnesses innovation, empowering consumers to integrate powerful tools into their daily lives.

With this, products are becoming smarter and increasingly personalized to their users. Advances in tech enable devices to “get to know their users.” This evolution not only simplifies tech use but also deepens the relationship between users and their devices, making tech an integral part of their daily life.

Balancing Innovation and Safety to Protect the Rapid Advance of Tech

The rapid pace of technological advancements has made staying informed about emerging trends essential for individuals and businesses alike. From AI-driven innovations to breakthroughs in wearable technology, the ever-evolving tech market holds the promise of increased efficiency, convenience, and connectivity. However, this acceleration also introduces new risks, including cyber threats and data privacy concerns.

The unintended risks of AI, for example, highlight the need for proactive safeguards as these technologies advance. As we adopt these innovations, it is critical to prioritize safety measurements to ensure that progress doesn’t come at the expense of consumers’ security or trust. Balancing excitement for the future with a commitment to safety fosters responsible growth and allows innovation to truly thrive and enhance our everyday lives.