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Yang Yuanqing, chief executive of Lenovo, did not mince words when asked for his thoughts on consumer concerns around AI. “Nobody can avoid it,” he said during a conversation on the sidelines of CES 2026, where AI has dominated nearly every announcement.
Yang’s remarks came after Lenovo’s high-profile keynote at ‘The Sphere’ in Las Vegas, where the company outlined an AI-first vision spanning personal devices, wearables, and home appliances.
During the event, Lenovo introduced Qira, a personal AI assistant for Lenovo and Motorola devices. Additionally, the company launched a new range of laptops with artificial intelligence while presenting futuristic ideas. They discussed a gadget that will allow AI to monitor user activities through vision and auditory cues and subsequently offer support as per the context.
These revelations were indicative of a wider trend in CES. AI was the talking point in almost every category at the exhibition, be it cellular phones and computers working on digital imaging, or household appliances like washing machines. This dynamic highlights how soon this technology will become a part of daily chores and livelihood.
Addressing the concerns about whether AI could take over human roles, Yang argued the opposite. “AI will not replace you; it will only empower you,” he said, adding that the technology would help people with creative solutions and regular productivity. So, while this resistance to AI is understandable, it could turn out futile.
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Lenovo’s chief technology officer, Tolga Kurtoglu, was equally direct when speaking on this matter. “I don’t see a world without AI,” he noted, further stressing that adoption must be balanced with responsibility.
Kurtoglu emphasised that responsible AI usage is central to Lenovo’s strategy, pointing to strict internal guardrails, regulatory compliance, and a clear opt-in model for tools like Qira. Users get to choose their participation, and can opt out if they do not want to share data.
As CES 2026 made clear, AI may be unavoidable. However, how the consumers accept it still depends entirely on their preferences.
