Since the generative AI explosion in 2023, the conversation around artificial intelligence has been mostly confined to large language models and mastering language. We talked about chatbots, image generators, and data processing. But as we move toward AWE USA 2026, the conversation has shifted. We are no longer just talking about AI that lives in a cloud; we are talking about AI that lives in our world. We call this Physical AI, and it is going to be a central piece of the experience this June in Long Beach.
What is Physical AI?
Physical AI is where software meets the real world. It is the technology that allows AI to perceive, reason about, and interact with the space around it. While traditional AI might help you write an email, Physical AI helps a robot navigate a warehouse, a pair of smart glasses understand that you are looking at a leaky faucet, or a digital twin accurately simulate the stress on a physical bridge.
At its core, Physical AI is about embodiment. It is about giving the "brain" of AI a "body" in the physical world. This is why the connection between AI and XR (Extended Reality) is so vital. We have been saying for a while now that AI needs XR and XR needs AI. Physical AI is the perfect example of this partnership: XR provides the spatial context and the human interface, while AI provides the intelligence to make sense of that space.
Why Physical AI is the Focus for 2026
You might ask, why is this the big topic now? The answer is simple: the technology has finally caught up to the vision. For a long time, robotics and spatial computing lived in separate silos. Robots were clunky and expensive, and XR was often seen as a tool for entertainment or simple visualization.
Today, those silos are disappearing. We are seeing a "power couple" effect where AI is making it easier for more people to use XR, and XR is giving AI a way to interact with humans and physical objects. The tools have matured, the hardware is more accessible, and the market growth is hitting an all-time high.
But there is another, more important reason why we are focusing on Physical AI right now. We are at a crossroads. As AI agents move from experimental demos to real-world applications, we have to decide how they will fit into our lives. Our theme for 2026, “I, Spatial: Humans Empowered by Spatial AI,” is a response to this shift. We want to ensure that as Physical AI becomes more common, it serves to restore human agency rather than replace it. We believe humans should be at the center of this technology, empowered by these new tools to do more, learn faster, and work better.
The Role of Physical AI at AWE
AWE has always been the #1 community for spatial computing. As we approach our 17th edition, it is clear that you cannot talk about spatial computing without talking about robotics and Physical AI. This is where the physical world becomes spatial.
This year, we have a lot of talks dedicated to Physical AI and Robotics. This isn't just a side topic; it is a key part of the 2026 program. We want to explore how these agents will work alongside us in industrial settings, healthcare, and our daily lives.
When you look at the speakers joining us in Long Beach, you see the companies that are actually building this future. We are thrilled to have industry leaders like NVIDIA on the agenda speaking about physical AI. NVIDIA has been at the forefront of Physical AI, creating the simulation environments and the computing power needed for robots to learn how to operate in the real world. Hearing from experts of this caliber is exactly why AWE is the place to be if you want to understand where the industry is heading.
Experience the Technology on the Expo Floor
Of course, at AWE, we don’t just talk about the technology. We show it. The expo floor this year is going to be our biggest yet, featuring hundreds of exhibitors. We have specifically added a new Digital Twin and Reality Capture Pavilion to help visitors understand how we bridge the gap between physical and digital spaces.
On the floor, you will be able to see Physical AI in action. From robotics companies showing off the latest autonomous agents to developers using reality capture to create perfect digital replicas of the world, the expo hall will be a playground for the "I, Spatial" identity. You can try the latest smart glasses, test haptic feedback systems, and see how AI-powered sensors are changing the way we interact with our environment.
We have also partnered with multiple hackathons on physical AI (such as Worlds In Action), so expect to see winning teams join the AWE builders program and pitch on the Builders Stage.
Join the Rally in Long Beach
The move toward Physical AI is a call to action. It is an invitation for all of us in the XR community to stand up and show what "I, Spatial" means. It means choosing a future where technology makes us more human, not less. It means using AI to enhance our physical capabilities and our understanding of the world around us.
AWE USA 2026 is evolving into a four-day experience, starting on June 15 with our new Workshop Day. This will be followed by three days packed with sessions, demos, and side events. It is the biggest stage in the XR world, and it is the only place where you can see the full spectrum of Physical AI, XR, and emerging tech all in one place.
We are building this future together, and we want you to be a part of it. Don't just watch from the sidelines as the world becomes spatial. Come to Long Beach, meet the experts from companies like NVIDIA, and help us build a future that is responsible, ethical, and human-centric.
We’ll see you at #AWE2026.
AWE USA 2026
Long Beach, California
June 15 - 18, 2026
AWEXR.com
