CES 2026 is officially underway, and while industry giants are busy showcasing mainstream breakthroughs, the true highlight of this year’s event lies in the eccentric, head-scratching gadgets that leave attendees questioning their very existence. From AI-infused companions to ultrasonic cutlery, here are the most unconventional products currently turning heads at the show.
An AI Anime Companion That Watches Your Every Move
Razer is pushing the boundaries of the desk setup with Project AVA. Originally conceived as an esports AI coach, this 5.5-inch holographic assistant has evolved into a full-fledged desk companion. Whether you need gaming strategy, help with productivity, or just someone to vent to, AVA offers various character personas, including the anime-inspired Kira or the muscular Zane.
The device utilizes a built-in camera to monitor the user and their screen, employing eye-tracking, expressive facial animations, and lip-syncing for “lifelike” interaction. While the constant surveillance might feel a bit invasive for some, it remains a concept for now, with no official word on a commercial release.
A Cuddly AI Baby Panda for Elderly Care
Mind with Heart Robotics has introduced An’An, an adorable AI-powered panda robot designed to combat loneliness in elderly populations. Equipped with a network of tactile sensors, the robot responds naturally to human touch.
Beyond its charm, the device features emotional AI that learns the user’s voice and behavioral preferences over time. It serves as a personal companion that can remind users of daily tasks and keep caregivers informed about the user’s well-being, blending emotional support with functional utility.
A $500 AI-Powered Ice Maker
GoveeLife is looking to silence the kitchen with its new Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro. Priced at $499.99, the unit features patented “AI NoiseGuard” technology. The system predicts when the machine is about to generate excessive noise during the freezing process and initiates an automatic defrost cycle to keep operation whisper-quiet.
Capable of producing 60 pounds of ice daily with a 3.5-pound storage capacity, it hits retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy on January 15.
Ultrasonic Precision: The Vibrating Chef’s Knife
Seattle Ultrasonics has debuted a kitchen tool that sounds like science fiction: an 8-inch chef’s knife that vibrates at 30,000 times per second. According to the company, this high-frequency oscillation allows the blade to slice through ingredients with minimal resistance, far outperforming a traditional edge.
The company claims the vibrations are imperceptible to the user’s hand and entirely silent. The high-tech blade is currently available for preorder at $399.
Bone-Conduction Lollipops
Perhaps the most surreal entry at CES, Lollipop Star has developed a candy that plays music directly into your head. Using bone-conduction technology, the lollipop transmits sound vibrations through your skull to your inner ear while you eat it.
The product comes in three artist-branded flavors: Ice Spice (peach), Akon (blueberry), and Armani White (lime).
The WALL-E Inspired Patrol Robot
Zeroth Robotics unveiled the W1, a mobile unit that bears a striking resemblance to Pixar’s WALL-E. Marketed as an all-in-one family companion, the $4,999 robot provides 360-degree security surveillance and integrates with smart home systems to alert users to smoke or intruders.
Beyond home security, the W1 is designed to be an outdoor adventure partner. It can haul camping gear, act as a roving family photographer, and provide portable power for devices in remote locations.
Egg-Shaped Hormone Tracking
Mira is addressing reproductive health with its $249 Ultra4 Hormone Monitor. The egg-shaped device performs lab-grade at-home testing via urine samples to track four essential hormones: FSH, LH, E3G, and PdG.
The data provided gives users insights into their fertile windows and can help monitor conditions such as PCOS, PMDD, and the onset of menopause, offering a highly personalized approach to health management.