Intel Talks Drones, Robots, Wearables at CES 2016

Intel used CES to demonstrate what it has to offer beyond chips for PCs—from connected cars and drones to robots, wearables and anything else that makes up IoT.

In this case, 100. The Intel-powered drones were launched in a field in Germany on the day CES kicked off at an event that took Intel engineers and digital artists from Ars Electronica FutureLab a month to plan. There were lights and an orchestra, and it made the Guinness Book of World Records for the “most unmanned aerial vehicles airborne simultaneously.”

The CEO holds a Typhoon H drone from Yuneec that is powered by an Intel Atom processor and uses RealSense technology to avoid collisions while in the air. Intel demonstrated the drone’s capabilities during the keynote.

Intel showed off Intel-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during CES. Drones are a key part of the chip maker’s future plans: Intel last year invested $60 million in Yuneec and, just as the show got underway, announced it had bought drone software maker Ascending Technologies.

Intel showed off a Segway from Ninebot that also transforms into a robot that can not only provide personal transportation, but also other applications, such as interacting with other people and sensors in a home. It’s powered by an Atom chip and uses a RealSense ZR300 camera.

Krzanich took a ride on the CES stage on the Ninebot robot, being greeted by Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association.

Sports played a key role in what Krzanich and Intel partners talked about during CES. Personal technology promises to have a significant impact in the space, from how athletes train to how fans experience the events.

The chip maker is partnering with ESPN to use the Curie module during the event in Aspen, Colo., where it will be integrated into snowboards to deliver real-time data on athletes’ performances (such as in-air rotations and jump height). The data can be used by athletes, announcers and viewers. Here, as Mark McMorris takes to the air, Intel engineer Stephanie Moyerman checks the real-time data.

During his keynote, Krzanich demonstrated BMX bikes outfitted with Curie modules that track and deliver real-time performance statistics, such as speed, height, acceleration and rotation.

Krzanich and New Balance CEO Rob DeMartini, left, announced a partnership in which the two companies will develop wearable devices—such as running shoes with customized 3D-printed midsoles that use RealSense technology—to help athletes improve performance. Also, later this year, the companies will release a smartwatch.

Craig Alexander, three-time Ironman world champion, tries on Intel-powered smart eyewear from Oakley that includes Radar Pace, a voice-activated, real-time coaching system.

A paintball player tries out goggles from Recon Instruments that use Intel on-board sensors that enable real-time game and equipment statistics and data, such as how many paintballs are remaining and the location of teammates and opponents.

An Intel engineer uses a tablet that includes RealSense and software from Uraniom to scan Krzanich in 3D and then import the image to customize his in-game character in the game “Fallout 4.”

At Intel’s SenseScape display, people could interact with the exhibit through their movements—which were recognized by screens activated by RealSense, IoT-enabled harp strings and custom wearable devices—to create their own art installation.

Intel has been a proponent of combining wearable technology with fashion products like clothing, watches and jewelry. At CES, Krzanich and Becca McCharen, CEO of Chromat, demonstrate her company’s Intel-powered Adrenaline smart dress and Aeros smart bra that can adapt to a woman’s heart rate and perspiration.

Krzanich didn’t say much about connected cars during his keynote, but they were a key topic during CES and Intel had its own automotive technology on display. The Land Rover F Pace from Jaguar included Intel automotive security technology, which helps create a vehicle that senses, responds and enhances security.