Arthur Goldstuck | CEO | World Wide Worx | Editor-in-chief | Gadget.co.za | mail me |
Amphibious drones, chess-playing robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) emotion trackers showcased more than mere concepts. An outdated saying claimed that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This year’s CES made that statement more relevant than ever.
Formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show, it dropped the full moniker a few years ago to allow for anything from aviation to business to health solutions. In the process, it also ushered in an era of outlandish devices that are demonstrated under the euphemism of “concept” products.
Translation: don’t expect to see them in use any time soon by any consumer near you.
However, that does not mean the concepts are meaningless. Anything from Flying motorbikes to emotion trackers are really attempts to test the boundaries of technology. In this way, “crazy concepts” in reality define cutting edge of high-tech gadgetry.
CES 2025 tech innovation 1 – Skyrider X1
The best example at CES 2025 in Las Vegas was the Skyrider X1. This two-wheeled electric vertical take-off-and-landing (eVTOL) amphibious craft stood out. It functions on air, land, and water. At Rictor’s booth, it resembled a large drone. However, a conceptual artist’s rendering presented a futuristic vision of urban transportation.
Rictor claims the Skyrider X1 redefines low-altitude flying products with high performance and affordability.
The company states its maximum flight speed reaches 100 km/h, with a flight duration of 40 minutes. It features automatic route planning and adjusts flight height, speed, and direction based on real-time weather and environmental changes. These capabilities significantly reduce flight risks.
The automatic take-off and landing functions enhance convenience and safety. For those preferring manual control, the Skyrider X1 offers joystick controls and manual operation.
Every part of this description sounds poetic to tech enthusiasts at CES, the world’s largest technology expo. However, regulatory certification must approve the device before consumers can enjoy it. Until then, only artists will continue having fun with it.
CES 2025 tech innovation 2 – Novosound
Other devices at CES 2025 blurred the line between hype and reality. For example, PieX presented the “world’s first AI Emotion Tracking Pendant”. Exhibitors highlighted its unique features, including emotion tracking, meditation guidance, automatic journaling, and AI-driven coaching.
If this sounds like a smartwatch minus journaling. It’s not just a pendant; it’s a revolutionary emotional wellness tool helping people understand and manage emotions better.
– Dr Ernest Xie, CTO at PieX
The device uses sensors to monitor stress levels. It also employs on-device large language models (LLMs) to provide AI-driven emotional insights and advice.
Similarly, robot manufacturers showcased innovations, integrating ChatGPT and other LLMs into their machines. These advancements attempt to justify the high prices of robots that become obsolete upon production.
CES 2025 tech innovation 3 – SenseRobot Chess
Home robotics company SenseRobot seized the moment and launched a new range of robots. The most intriguing model was the SenseRobot Chess. The company claims it “brings chess to life with AI vision technology and intelligent decision-making algorithms”.
A robotic arm efficiently moves chess pieces. This function enables human vs. AI games, human vs. human games, and gameplay analysis. However, many will note that people have played chess against computers for decades.
Other 2025 CES technology trends
Many devices showcased at CES will eventually find a place in homes, offices, or even pools.
For instance, Wybot introduced the S3 Pool Cleaning Robot, featuring 3D mapping, self-emptying, and automatic solar charging. It resembles a Roomba vacuum cleaner combined with a Kreepy Krawly pool cleaner. Given the world’s embrace of both technologies, the S3 may gain widespread adoption.
Another promising innovation came from Novosound. The company demonstrated continuous ultrasound blood pressure monitoring via a wrist device. Its accuracy matches that of traditional electronic cuff devices. This innovation meets a real-world need.
