Robot Bartender ADAM Steals the Show
At CES 2025, held in Las Vegas, attendees were treated to an exciting array of futuristic gadgets, with ADAM, a robot bartender, drawing significant attention. Resembling Baymax from Disney’s Big Hero 6, ADAM quickly became a favorite among the crowd, serving drinks with its flexible, squiggly arms. Notable figures like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and CNBC’s Jim Cramer had the chance to experience ADAM’s bartending skills firsthand.
Cramer even enjoyed a green cocktail served by the robot, calling out, “Cheers! Thank you, ADAM!” Created by Richtech Robotics, ADAM can brew coffee and engage in basic conversation, though its banter is still in the early stages. It introduces itself as “your friendly robot barista” and proudly claims it can make over 50 different types of drinks. Despite some of its interactions being a bit robotic, ADAM is clearly a step forward in hospitality technology.
Flying Cars and Solar-Powered Vehicles: The Future of Transportation
Transportation took a leap into the future at CES 2025, with the unveiling of new innovations like flying cars and solar-powered vehicles. One of the standout presentations was from Xpeng AeroHT, a China-based company that debuted a six-wheel minivan that doubles as a “Land Aircraft Carrier.” This innovative vehicle carries an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a massive six-propeller drone capable of carrying passengers. The minivan itself resembles a boxier version of the Tesla Cybertruck and offers a futuristic solution for families looking to travel by both land and air. Priced at $280,000, the vehicle has already garnered over 2,000 pre-orders since its 2024 prototype flight.
Meanwhile, the Aptera, a three-wheeled electric vehicle featuring Lamborghini-style scissor doors, caught the eyes of many. With solar panels built into its teardrop-shaped body, the Aptera can travel up to 40 miles solely on solar power. The company claims it can cover 11,000 miles a year without needing to visit a gas station or charging point, making it an appealing eco-friendly choice for drivers. However, concerns about performance on cloudy days or busy highways remain.
Tech Pets: From Robo-Dogs to Cat Air Purifiers
Pets also got a tech upgrade at CES 2025, with companies showcasing robot animals and devices designed to improve pet owners’ lives. Tombot Inc. introduced hyper-realistic robot dogs that mimic the behavior of real puppies, such as tilting their heads, wagging tails, and making a variety of sounds. These lifelike dogs, priced around $300, are designed to provide comfort to elderly people with dementia and help reduce the need for psychotropic medications. While they cannot walk or jump, their lifelike presence can offer emotional support.
In contrast, Unitree presented the Go2, a robot dog capable of running, jumping, and even performing tricks like handstands and dances. However, its shiny metallic exterior and rotating Lidar sensor give it a more utilitarian appearance, making it less of a cuddly companion and more of a high-tech tool.
For cat owners, LG introduced the AeroCatTower, a hybrid device that functions as both an air purifier and a cat tree. With a heated top seat and air-purifying capabilities, it ensures a comfortable environment for both pets and owners. Another quirky gadget, the Nékojita FuFu by Yukai Engineering, is a mini cat-shaped robot designed to cool down hot drinks by blowing air across them. It’s an affordable option for tea and coffee lovers, launching in mid-2025 for about $25.
As CES 2025 unfolds, it’s clear that the tech world is embracing robotics and sustainable transportation, with innovations that are sure to change daily life in the near future.
