Hasta La Ideas

CES 2025 is an absolute labyrinth of products and companies, which is why smaller events like Pepcom are pefect for getting a brief preview of what stuff to expect on the show floor. Held on the 6th of January, Pepcom pre-empted CES by a day, giving the media a chance to look at new products before CES officially began. The show floor of the ballroom at Caesar’s Palace was filled with hundreds of exhibitors, featuring a lot of regulars and industry veterans like HP, IBM, Sandisk, Anker, etc. But among these companies sat a few unusual newbies that had the most bizarrely unique products one could see.

This roundup is merely to highlight the products that stood at the intersection between crazy and cool. You’re used to seeing new phones with better processors and bigger batteries – that’s the innovation you’ve come to expect – but what I’m about to show you is stuff that usually doesn’t come about too often – from robot vacuums with robotic arms that pick up laundry, to self-rocking cradles, to an AI translator that can clone your voice and make you speak 72 languages. Here’s the crazy + cool stuff we saw at Pepcom today.

Roborock Saros Z70 – A Vacuum with a Robotic Arm

Cleaning up isn’t really complete if all you’re doing is removing dust. Cleaning also means picking up items, rearranging them, and keeping areas rubbish-free – something that Roborock’s latest vacuum does thanks to a built-in robotic arm. The Roborock Saros Z70 feels like a gadget pulled straight from a sci-fi flick, thanks to its OmniGrip robotic arm. This nifty five-axis appendage can grab stray socks, tissues, and other obstacles weighing up to 300 grams, saving your vacuum from a battlefield of household clutter. It uses sensors and an RGB camera to identify and scoop up items, placing them in preset locations—all controlled through the Roborock app. Use it with socks, dirty laundry, or even toys that your kids or pets keep strewn around the place. Never step on a bare LEGO brick again!

The rest of the Saros Z70 is equally impressive. It packs 22,000Pa of suction power, dual spinning mops that detach when not in use, and the brains of StarSight Autonomous System 2.0 for spot-on navigation. Paired with Roborock’s Multifunctional Dock 4.0, it takes care of auto-emptying, charging, and mop washing like a pro. Plus, with support for Matter 1.4 coming in hot, it’s ready to play nice with your smart home setup. Roborock plans to roll this out in June 2025, and really the only thing missing is a cup holder so that this bot can go get me my coffee!

MW75 Neuro – Brain Sensing Headphones

Imagine headphones that not only play your favorite tunes but also keep tabs on your brain’s well-being. Enter the MW75 Neuro, a collaboration between Neurable Inc. and Master & Dynamic. These aren’t your average cans; they’re equipped with Neurable’s brain-computer interface (BCI) tech, featuring electroencephalography (EEG) sensors tucked into the ear pads. This setup lets you monitor your focus levels and cognitive health, all through a user-friendly app. Feeling the midday slump? The MW75 Neuro can nudge you to take a break, aiming to stave off burnout.

Beyond the brainy bits, these headphones don’t skimp on audio quality, staying true to Master & Dynamic’s premium sound reputation. The MW75 Neuro represents a leap toward integrating neurotechnology into everyday gadgets, making it easier to keep an eye on mental well-being. As of September 2024, they’re available for purchase through Neurable’s and Master & Dynamic’s websites.

Vasco Q1 – Translator with AI Voice Cloning feature

We’ve seen a lot of AI translators, but this is the first time I’ve actually had my voice cloned by an AI. The Q1 by Vasco boasts this feature, and as someone who actually tested out this feature, let me mention that it’s scary how impressive it is. This feature allows users to create a synthesized version of their own voice, making translations sound like you in any of the 72 supported languages. It’s the only device on the market with this capability, offering a more natural way to communicate across cultures. Combined with touchless mode and phone call translation, it’s designed to make conversations seamless, whether you’re dialing internationally or chatting in person.

Beyond its star feature, the Q1 is packed with versatile tools like photo translation for signs and books, and text-to-speech capabilities powered by 11 translation engines. A built-in SIM provides connectivity in over 200 countries, with translation happening in under a second when conditions are optimal. The device is set to launch this spring, with pricing expected around $500, making it an intriguing option for frequent travelers or global business pros.

Fight Camp – Punch Trackers and Punching Bag

FightCamp is more than just a punching bag; it’s a comprehensive fitness system that helps you train like a fighter. The platform offers over 3,000 workouts, ranging from boxing and kickboxing routines to strength training, conditioning, and core exercises. You can tailor your experience with options for 4, 6, 8, or 10-round boxing sessions, ensuring workouts fit your schedule and fitness level. And it’s not all about throwing punches—dynamic warm-ups and core exercises are part of the program to help you build the rotational strength needed for powerful strikes.

At the heart of FightCamp’s system are its punch trackers, which monitor the speed and power of your strikes, giving you real-time feedback. These trackers also provide “output scores,” offering insight into your progress. While the trackers don’t directly build your core strength, they reveal where improvement is needed, encouraging you to integrate core and conditioning exercises for better rotation and stronger punches. The rechargeable trackers dock easily and hold their charge through intense sessions, making them seamless companions for consistent training. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, FightCamp turns your living room into a full-on fight gym.

Elvie Rise – A Baby Bassinet that Rocks Back and Forth

Elvie’s latest innovation, the Rise, is a two-in-one smart baby bouncer that effortlessly transforms into a bassinet, aiming to simplify the lives of new parents. Controlled via an intuitive app, the Rise features “SootheLoop” technology, allowing caregivers to record and automate personalized bouncing patterns to comfort their little ones. This seamless transition from bouncer to bassinet ensures that babies can drift into sleep without disturbance, adhering to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ sleep safety guidelines with its firm, flat mattress, and breathable fabrics.

Designed for newborns up to six months or 20 pounds, the Rise offers both manual and automatic bouncing modes, catering to the varying needs of infants. While the $799 price tag positions it at the premium end of the market, its multifunctionality and focus on safety may appeal to parents seeking convenience and some well-deserved peace of mind.

The post Behold The Weirdest Coolest Gadgets at Pepcom during CES 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.