The success of AI gadgets will depend on how they ease lives

These gizmos have been overhyped so far but that could change

- CATHERINE THORBECKE

Where are all the artificial intelligence (AI) consumer gadgets? Even a year ago, it seemed tech companies were working to incorporate the technology into every physical device, from coffee makers to vacuum cleaners, making 'AI-powered' hardware seem like it would soon be as ubiquitous as 'battery-powered' electronics.

Typically, tech conferences offer a glimmer of these futuristic toys. Not all of them end up hitting the market, but it's where we can dream a little about new pocket devices or household robots taking on a greater role in our lives.

So it was a little disappointing last week at Asia's biggest artificial intelligence conference, Taiwan's Computex, to find hardly any mention of consumer-facing tech. Most keynotes focused on enterprise applications of AI, such as agents or automated manufacturing. Walking around the exhibitors' hall, the only thing that caught my eye were wireless computer mice shaped like cats.