Linux Thrives in IoT, Automotive, and AI at CES 2026

Hidden Linux Innovations at CES 2026

Although Linux isn't grabbing the spotlight at CES 2026, its presence is certainly felt if you know where to look.

Canonical isn't unveiling a new desktop Linux at the exhibition, but it is showcasing impressive advancements with Nvidia. Attendees have the chance to see Ubuntu Linux powering a desktop supercomputer equipped with an Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell superchip, featuring a massive 128 GB of RAM and 4 TB of storage—for a price of $3,999.

At Canonical's booth (#10562 in the North Hall), the company is also emphasizing its long-term support strategies for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This includes categories like industrial equipment and sophisticated medical diagnostic tools.

Preparing for Compliance in IoT Markets

With the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) approaching on September 11, 2026, manufacturers must prepare to include a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and address security vulnerabilities efficiently. Canonical offers a comprehensive support system to help IoT companies comply with these stringent regulations.

Unified Automotive Platforms Emerging

Canonical is leading efforts to support the growing adoption of Linux in vehicles. Their advancements enable ultra-low latency streaming through WebRTC and support for 8K displays, facilitating the deployment of complete systems instantly over the cloud.

By bringing the Android Automotive OS to the cloud, Canonical streamlines infotainment system development, accelerating time-to-market for OEMs without the need for physical prototypes.

Safety-Critical Automotive Systems

Open-source platforms for vehicles now deliver real-time capabilities and safety-certifiable performance. For example, some companies are showcasing separation-kernel hypervisors that allow vehicles to run real-time applications securely.

Linux's Role in Edge AI and IoT Solutions

Exhibitors are making Linux the foundation for scalable edge AI applications and industrial IoT. SECO's announcement highlights a new Human-Machine Interface platform based on the Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5.

They promote their latest technology as a cost-effective AI node capable of launching Debian Linux and performing object detection—a hybrid setup that marries a simple Linux desktop with specialized embedded capabilities.

Linux's Invisible Sway over Smart TVs

Linux is the powerhouse behind many new smart TVs. LG is revitalizing old models with the Linux-based webOS platform, and Samsung's latest smart TVs utilize the Tizen OS, ensuring long-term software enhancements.