IFA: Innovation for all: IFA 2026 focused on AI and robotics

KI has driven up prices for smartphones, computers and consoles High demand for chips is pushing up costs for consumer electronics such as smartphones, notebooks and gaming consoles. This shortage of semiconductors is causing prices to rise and reducing product availability. Consumers planning to purchase new technology this year should expect higher prices and fewer options. The global boom around artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing the semiconductor industry, shifting production capacity towards high-performance computing centers that require powerful chips. The impact is particularly noticeable with products that rely heavily on processing power, including smartphones, laptops, personal computers, gaming hardware and consoles. Market research firm NIQ analyzed these trends at the start of the IFA tech fair based on current market data. In June, Apple announced price increases due to rising chip costs. CEO Tim Cook called these hikes “inevitable.” The extent of the price increase will become clearer next week when the new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models are unveiled. Other electronics manufacturers such as HP, Dell and Nintendo have already raised their prices, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal in June. The German digital association Bitkom expects an average smartphone price of 646 euros for the year, though it had already anticipated further price rises at the beginning of the year. Affordable entry-level devices are becoming scarcer as manufacturers adjust strategies to address supply constraints. They focus more on popular configurations such as 256- or 512-gigabyte storage, reduce model variety or raise prices. As a result, budget-friendly models are becoming less available. Despite warnings of potential shortages similar to those seen in 2020, NIQ analyst Alexander Dehmel offers some reassurance. He notes that while there is no general supply block, certain high-performance configurations and large memory capacities could see increased costs or temporary unavailability with longer waiting times. IFA 2026 highlights innovation in AI and robotics At the IFA 2026 tech fair in Berlin, humanoid robots were on display, showcasing both impressive capabilities and clear limitations. These robots, often designed with childlike features, perform pre-programmed routines such as dancing, lifting boxes or walking through hallways. However, many lack true intelligence, relying instead on repetitive sequences and basic orientation checks. At the Unitree Robotics booth, a boxing match between two humanoid robots highlighted how little these machines understand their tasks. The robots would often walk past each other without recognizing opponents, sometimes even striking in the wrong direction. While they demonstrated impressive physical control, their actions were largely scripted and lacked genuine awareness. Some robots, such as those developed by startup Zeroth, aim to serve as educational tools. Users can learn to program movement patterns, understanding which servomotors need to be activated for smooth motion. Other companion robots, smaller in size, are intended to assist children with conditions such as ADHD or autism. These devices play calming programs tailored to specific needs, though the scientific backing behind these interventions remained unclear. Companion robots feature large eyes to foster emotional connections and trigger protective instincts. Some larger devices can communicate in natural language using AI-powered speech recognition systems, although concerns remain over data privacy. While Chinese manufacturers claim data does not leave the device, the absence of cloud-based AI means local processing is required. IFA 2026: A platform for democratizing technology During the opening conference of the IFA 2026, IFA CEO Leif Erik Lindner and gfu executive Carine Chardon addressed whether the fair still holds relevance amid rapid technological change. Chardon emphasized that the IFA connects innovation with practicality, noting the accelerated pace of technical developments. She pointed to Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, who estimates the impact of AI to be tenfold greater and faster than the Industrial Revolution. Despite this, Hassabis remains skeptical about achieving general artificial intelligence (AGI). Lindner explained that AI is increasingly operating in the real world thanks to shrinking hardware sizes. Localized AI brings intelligence into everyday objects, making them accessible everywhere. However, the speed of progress has caused uncertainty among many people. Even at universities, advancements in AI are met with skepticism. To build trust, Lindner argued, access to technology must be democratized. Trust is gained through experience, interaction and exchange, exactly what happens at the IFA. Global growth in the tech sector continued despite challenges. Chardon noted that factors such as the global memory crisis, currency instability in the U.S., conflicts in the Middle East and the growing presence of Chinese companies in the tech space have complicated markets for businesses and consumers. Nevertheless, technical goods have grown globally by 16 percent since 2021, partly due to the devaluation of the U.S. dollar. Adjusted for inflation, growth stands at 2.4 percent. In Germany, several consumer goods saw strong gains in the first half of 2026, including vacuum cleaners (+18%), large TVs (+14%), espresso machines (+21%) and AI PCs (+18%). Globally, tech industries grew, though growth rates varied widely. Markets in the Middle East and Africa recorded a 15% increase, while Asian emerging markets saw a 12% rise. Western Europe managed a 2% growth, Eastern Europe a 1%, and China faced a 5% decline due to its weakening domestic market. Chardon identified three areas with growth potential: AI, robotics and wearables such as smart glasses, watches and rings. While consumers are willing to invest in technology, price and value for money remain key decision-making factors. She named AI, robotics and wearables as major megatrends. Regulatory concerns persist When asked about potential failures that might be viewed in hindsight, Lindner and Chardon responded cautiously. Chardon suggested smart glasses could be a possible candidate for failure, though she linked this outcome to future regulation. Lindner criticized the complex and bureaucratic nature of EU legislation, noting that discussions on regulatory frameworks are ongoing, including during the upcoming visit of Federal Minister for Digital Affairs and State Modernization Karsten Wildberger. He contrasted this with China, where the speed of idea-to-market development impressed him greatly. Lindner highlighted the efficiency of Chinese innovation, pointing to the rapid transformation of concepts into commercial products.