Hogan Lovells CES 2023 Recap

Key Observations

• Classic CES is back in all its crowded splendor.

• The most cross-sectoral technology event globally.

• Globalism is not dead – geopolitics are vastly more complex but the global community, especially the “global west,” was on display.

• Innovation and Venture Capital are alive and well – these are tougher times in the venture world but bounty of innovation was apparent.

What We Saw

• Sustainability claims – either in production or fostering through use.

• Data from sensors + AI or Machine Learning = !? …. new capacity in every area.

• The metaverse – Augmented Reality or Virtual Reality offering greater immersion into the on-line world, for enterprise use not just entertainment.

Sector Observations

Advanced Aviation

• Advanced aviation technology both hardware and software – is evolving quickly.  Policymaking  lags behind.

• Advanced aviation offers communities Economic, Security, and Sustainability benefits. 

• A global race is on to integrate uncrewed aircraft systems into the airspace for many uses including infrastructure inspection, emergency response, agriculture and more.

• Advanced aviation shows the future of transportation is networked, inter-modal and connected.

Communications, Internet, and Media

• 5G functionality is required for the myriad ways entrepreneurs are using wireless networks to connect people and devices to provide new and enhanced services.

• Seamless networks of integrated devices and applications will be the backbone of the smart homes, cities, roadways, and industries of tomorrow.

• U.S. policy must look ahead to the next frontiers and advance next phase innovation if the nation is to remain the global leader in the rapidly evolving tech sector.

• Advances in technology and the changes in the way technology is deployed are sparking questions about the role of government and the balance between the need for rules and the desire to promote innovation and investment. Areas like AI, social media and autonomous vehicles are just some of the applications where this balance is debated.

• More connections, devices, and data  prompt more questions about cybersecurity and privacy.

Consumer

• Consumer electronic companies are prioritizing sustainability, and emphasizing how their innovations contribute to more sustainable products.

• Companies must evaluate the entire product cycle and the supply chain to assure compliance  with new sustainability requirements.

Government Relations and Public Affairs

• Congress must tackle big tech policy issues including data privacy, content moderation, and competition.

• We expect congressional focus on federal data privacy legislation to increase as consumers use new products that track biometric and personal data in new and innovative ways.

• Congressional oversight will increase on content moderation, racial disparities in algorithms,  ESG policies, and China’s influence and investment in the industry.

Mobility and Transportation

• EV transition is accelerating and expanding with more focus on infrastructure.

• AVs – where, not when, remains the focus but the how used is vastly more diverse than robo-taxis… everything from mining equipment and tractors to lawnmowers and snowblowers.

• Every mode of transportation is changing – drones, sails on cargo ships, new fuel, even electric hydrofoil boats.

• Collaboration among automakers, traditional consumer-focused brands, and new technology entrants are enabling capital-intensive products to make life better for customers.

• Despite growing geopolitical challenges, global commerce continues at all levels of the supply chain and across all regions. Geopolitical issues are, however, becoming more complex and these challenges are accelerating as the industry undertakes a generational transformation.

• Transformation best seen from the consumer view not by looking at particular technologies… Living Mobility.

Sports, Media, and Entertainment

• New virtual reality and augmented reality technologies are providing alternative means of consuming live and recorded sports and entertainment content.

• Licensing and distribution arrangements for media will need to adapt to AR/VR offerings.

• New technologies in sports stadiums are creating immersive and personalized fan experiences.

• The emergence of technologies that track health care data regarding athlete performance and welfare will create privacy and data security considerations. A disconnect is also evident between the available data and most athlete's ability to fully utilize it.