Despite a smaller-than-typical footprint and some high-profile last-minute cancellations, CES 2022 was deemed a success by many in the tech world. The staff of the Verge said the in-person trade show “was still capable of surprising and sometimes even delighting us.”

The Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the organization behind CES, acknowledged ahead of time that its first in-person show in the COVID era would be smaller than years past. That was before the surging omicron variant spurred a wave of cancellations from both exhibitors and attendees alike. Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google, T-Mobile, Amazon, Intel and Microsoft were among the brands that either dropped out or significantly pared back their participation. CES also ended a day early due to COVID concerns.

According to the CTA, there were 2,300 companies exhibiting in Las Vegas this year, a number that included more than 800 startups. More than 45,000 attendees came to the in-person event, representing 119 countries. By contrast, in 2020 (the last pre-COVID show), there were nearly twice as many exhibitors (4,419) and nearly four times more attendees (171,268). In 2021, CES was fully digital, with about 1,800 companies hosting virtual exhibits.

“The CES show floor buzzed with the joy of human interaction and a five-sense innovation experience with products that will redefine our future and change our world for the better,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CTA, in a press release.

Key trends at the show included digital health, with a number of exhibitors debuting wearable tech to help consumers take control of their own health; automotive tech, including a color-changing BMW prototype that went viral; and artificial intelligence, with the debut of an autonomous tractor from John Deere and an AI-enabled robot that can prep and cook customizable meals.

Here are a few noteworthy gadgets from this year’s show:

1. Garmin Vivomove Sport

Garmin showed off this hybrid smartwatch, which combines the traditional look of an analog watch with the health, fitness and connected features of a smartwatch. “A smartwatch is only useful if you wear it, and we know that many people still want the look of a traditional timepiece with real hands,” Susan Lyman, Garmin vice president of global consumer marketing, said in a press release.

The Vivomove Sport features ticking watch hands and a hidden display that only appears when needed. When you interact with the touchscreen, the watch hands disappear. Among the smart features on the watch are stress, respiration, heart rate and sleep monitoring. The watch also has something it calls “Body Battery” energy monitoring to show the body’s current energy level – it helps the wearer with scheduling workouts and understanding when it’s time to slow down.

2. L’Oréal Colorsonic hair color system

The beauty company debuted a lightweight, handheld device that can mix hair color and apply it evenly – without the mess. L’Oréal noted that the home hair color business grew by 6% during the pandemic, as a result of the temporary closure of many salons. But at-home coloring has always presented challenges. The Colorsonic uses a custom mixer mechanism to combine a precise amount of developer and formula to create a hair color. It then dispenses the right doses and applies it to the hair via an oscillating nozzle of bristles as they move in a zigzag pattern to evenly distribute the color.

“We aim to leverage science and technology to solve age-old problems for consumers, and Colorsonic is a great example of the power of innovating for consumers by innovating with consumers,” Guive Balooch, global head of research and innovation, said in a press release.

3. Labrador Retriever robot

Labrador Systems debuted a simple robot – basically a tray on wheels – that provides practical, physical assistance to help people with everyday activities at home. It functions as an extra set of hands, helping individuals move large loads from place to place as well as bring critical items within reach. The robotics company said in a press release that the robot was designed to lighten the load for millions of Americans who have chronic pain, injury or other health issues affecting their daily activities. The robot is large enough to carry a laundry basket and hold as much as 25 pounds. The system can also retrieve and deliver trays each carrying up to 10 pounds of items. Trays can be stored on shelves, countertops or other surfaces at home.

“There’s a significant portion of our society that’s massively underserved,” Mike Dooley, CEO, said in a press release. “When pain or other health issues start interfering with your ability to move yourself or other things, even short distances can have a major impact on your independence, quality of life and overall health.”

The Retriever, he noted, is meant to “bridge some of that gap.”

4. TCL NXTWEAR AIR smart glasses

These second-generation wearable display glasses are 30% lighter than the previous generation of glasses, allowing for a more comfortable fit. The glasses are the equivalent of watching a 140-inch screen four meters away – similar to being in a movie theater. The smart glasses untether people from offices, living rooms and small airplane screens, according to TCL, and are ideal for watching movies on a flight or train commute. They also have applications for remote work, acting as a second screen when matched up with a laptop or as a private way to work on projects in public.

“We primarily focused on two areas of importance to consumers: portability and comfort,” said Stefan Streit, chief marketing officer for TCL, in a press release.

5. AnkerWork B600 video bar

This gadget is billed as the industry’s first all-in-one remote communication and collaboration video bar specially customized for personal workspaces. In other words, it’s ideal for remote workers. It integrates four functions: a high-definition conference camera, intelligent noise reduction and microphone array, high-quality speakers and built-in automated lighting. The bar includes technology to reduce ambient noise and automatically adjust lighting to ensure users look and sound their best.