The technology trade fair CES in Las Vegas is on the way to its old size after a corona dent. From Thursday to Sunday, 115,000 visitors came, as the US industry association CTA announced as the organizer. A year ago, the first CES since the outbreak of the pandemic reached around 45,000 participants - after 171,000 in early 2020. In 2021, the organizers limited themselves to an online event.

The number of exhibitors rose to 3200 from a good 2300 a year ago. Before the pandemic, it was 4,400. CES is an event for trade visitors and journalists only. It is a global meeting point for the electronics industry - in recent years it has also become a place where the automotive industry gives an outlook on the future.

German start-up awarded

Among the exhibitors, 19 companies received the prestigious "Best of Innovation" award from the trade fair organizers, including two companies from Germany. On the one hand, the start-up German Bionic from Berlin and Augsburg received the award for its exoskeleton called Cray X. The system that people wear on their bodies is intended to help them lift heavy objects and thus protect them from overload and injuries.

The second CES innovation prize for a German exhibitor went to the Bosch technology group. He was recognized for his "RideCare Companion" system, which aims to increase the safety of drivers and passengers in ride-sharing services and taxis. The solution consists of an outdoor and an indoor camera. An SOS button is also included, which the driver can use to initiate a call to a call center. The Bosch emergency call center then has access to the live video stream and can also determine the location of the vehicle in order to be able to send help in an emergency.

Otherwise, exhibitors from South Korea were strong in the "Best of Innovation" awards. The Samsung and LG groups each received three awards, primarily for innovative television and display technology.