As the opening of CES 2025, the world's largest electronics and information technology (IT) exhibition, approaches, the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas buzzes with activity. The badge pickup area already has a line stretching approximately 25 meters.

Voices of attendees from various countries fill the air, blending multiple languages. Many check signboards on their smartphones or excitedly converse with colleagues.

At the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), which hosts the CES event, last-minute preparations are in full swing. Gigantic CES-themed posters adorn the walls of the main building, while employees from global companies such as Samsung, LG, and China’s TCL are busy setting up booths near the central exhibition area. Staff can be seen reviewing product features and videos during quick meal breaks as they prepare for the event.

Las Vegas is abuzz with excitement ahead of CES 2025, with over 4,300 participating companies and 18,000 attendees. This year has already surpassed previous records, including diversity, with participants from 166 countries. Industry experts attribute the high turnout to the growing interest in cutting-edge technologies like AI and autonomous driving, prompting companies worldwide to showcase their innovations.

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the event's organizer, has designated AI as this year’s main theme. Other key focus areas include mobility, artificial intelligence, and digital health.

One of the most anticipated speakers is Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA and a leader in AI, delivering his keynote address for the first time in eight years since 2017. Huang’s speech is expected to explore the future of AI computing, including next-generation AI semiconductor technologies, and potentially unveil a new generation of graphics cards. Other keynote speakers include Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian, Panasonic Holdings Group CEO Yuki Kusumi, Accenture Chairwoman Julie Sweet, and X (formerly Twitter) CEO Linda Yaccarino.

The event highlights the rapid acceleration of the "Big Blur," where industry boundaries dissolve around AI. LG Electronics will showcase its AI-powered "in-cabin sensing" solution, which detects drivers and the interior environment of mobility spaces. Similarly, Continental’s driver gesture recognition technology and Waymo’s autonomous driving advancements are expected to draw significant attention. China’s Wison will unveil its FlyerBot, a soft-muscle robot incorporating AI to mimic human muscle movements.

Over 1,000 Korean companies are participating this year, a remarkable increase from the 502 companies attending post-COVID-19. Among the 292 companies receiving CES 2025 Innovation Awards, 129 are Korean, accounting for 46%. Additionally, Korean startups dominate the Eureka Park section, with 625 of the 1,300 participating companies hailing from Korea. Samsung, SK Group, and LG Group are among the major players showcasing their innovative technologies.

Chinese companies are also making a strong showing, with 1,339 firms participating in CES 2025, a 235-company increase from last year’s 1,104. According to the Korea Information and Communication Technology Industry Association (KICTA), China ranks second in participation, trailing only the U.S. (1,509 companies). Facing anticipated intensification of U.S.-China trade restrictions under the second Trump administration, Chinese companies aim to demonstrate their technological prowess to secure market share.

Leading Chinese brands such as Hisense and TCL are hosting some of the largest booths, unveiling AI-driven smart home technologies.