AI-powered prams and robotic ice cream, the weird tech of CES
Start-ups are joining the AI race, cramming the tech into anything from prams to barbecues and electric motorbikes. Learn about wild technology of CES.
AI-powered barbecues, prams and robots which can throw balls to dogs. These were some of the weird and wonderful gadgetry on display at CES, the world’s biggest consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas this week.
More than 100,000 people from across the globe attended the event to see about 4000 tech companies — big and small — showcase their latest wares for this year.
And the cost of living crunch didn’t dampen any spirits. Why would it, when a robot could whip you up alcohol infused ice-cream or make you the perfect steak thanks to an AI powered grill? There was even a flying car.
But, as one exec at an electronics giant said: “let’s be honest, AI has been in our products for years”. It’s only since ChatGPT amassed 100 million active users within two months of its launch in 2023 companies have been eager to jump on the bandwagon.
We take a look at the tech that is likely to take off.
Parenting goes AI
The sight of a pram walking itself amid a packed exhibition hall attracted plenty of onlookers.
The new smart stroller was from Gluxkind, German for “lucky child,” a company which aims to “redefine the early years of parenting by giving new parents the peace of mind they deserve”.
As well as its self-walking feature, the pram can rock a baby to sleep. But crucially it can automatically break if a parent accidentally lets go of the pram, stopping immediately, even on downhill slopes.
“We make our products to essentially give parents an extra set of eyes and hands when they’re out and about to give them quality time with their kids,” said Kevin Huang, Gluxkind co-founder and chief executive.
“Under the hood, it (the AI technology) is constantly scanning the environment so it is aware of who the parent is, as well as its surroundings.”
The pram can also play white noise and rock itself to sleep. Such smart baby products have generated hype. The SNOO self-rocking bassinet sells for almost $1700 in Australia — and is able to be quickly re-sold on the second-hand market — as sleep-deprived parents do anything for restful nights.
But Australians will have to wait for the Gluxkind, which retails for $US3300 ($4934) and is currently only available in the US and Canada.
Smart watches — for your dog
Pet ownership soared during the pandemic, with the number of households with a dog soaring from 61 to 69 per cent in Australia.
To capitalise on the trend, Paris-based Invoxia has developed a smart collar, which it says is like a smart watch for dogs. It is able to track their movements as well has monitor their health and how much they’re sleeping, eating and walking.
Chief executive Clement Moreau said the device aims to avoid expensive vet bills by providing preventive care.
“Given dogs can’t talk, you can send this information to a veterinarian and they can prevent disease more quickly than if they were relying on guesswork,” Mr Moreau said.
Crucially, he said, unlike AirTags which need nearby mobile phones to locate items, Invoxia’s smart collar could track dogs independently, so long as there was cellular coverage.
The product — priced at $US149 — is only available in Europe and the US, meaning Australian dog lovers will have to wait. “But the device can work on a 4G network, so could basically work in any country,” Mr Moreau said.
Robotic pet companion
If smart dog collars aren’t enough to keep tabs on your furry friends, Ogmen Robotics had another solution — a robotic dog nanny, nicknamed Oro.
Chief commercial officer Arun Koul said Oro was equipped with advanced AI, meaning it could change its features to suit your pet’s temperament, providing it company when its owner’s at work.
“It observes the dog and then it makes a video of the dog, and if it sees that the dog is getting anxiety, getting hungry or wants to go out … it follows instructions that you provide.”
Oro, which will retail for $US799, features two way video and audio, allowing an owner to interact with their dog remotely. It can even order dog food or medicine from a vet.
But the space is becoming crowded, with LG and Samsung launching more general AI-powered home robots.
AI financial advice turns to Hollywood
French start-up Jared Finance took inspiration from the 2015 film The Big Short to unleash an AI financial advice bot.
Founder Alexi Perrino said he wanted to make wealth creation accessible and aims to make money via business-to-business partnerships by allowing financial professionals to connect with customers, with their permission, on their platform.
Asked why he called it Jared, Mr Perrino said Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Deutsche Bank trader Jared Vennett in The Big Short, inspired the name.
“In this movie, there is this banker explaining the really complicated situations from the 2008 subprime crisis. And he’s explaining by assembling some pieces of wood like a Jenga pyramid, and this guy is called Jared,” Mr Perrino said.
“I thought ‘OK, every one needs a Jared in their life.’
“We developed this assistant to interact with users and the more our assistant will interact with them, the more it will get to know them and the more we will be able to provide personalised insights.”
Electric motorcycles rev up from China
Auto brands were quick to talk up their AI capabilities, with Volkswagen launching ChatGPT in selected cars. But even smaller companies are making their vehicles more intelligent.
Horwin launched an all electric motorcycle, Senmenti 0, which features an AI-powered advanced riding system. The company says the system collects data to better understand the rider, prevent accidents and create a greater level of personalisation.
It has a top speed of 125 miles per hour (197kmph) and can accelerate from 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds.
The range is about 186 miles and takes about 30 minutes to recharge. Stefan Pollack, who is importing the bikes, which are made in China, to America said he planned to introduce the vehicles to Australia.
“We’ve been in Europe since 2017. We started in Austria and Germany and France, and we’re expanding throughout Europe,” Mr Pollack said.
“And we’re obviously selling in China. Our home base is in China, and we’re moving through Southeast Asia and we will be in Australia soon.”
The Senmenti 0 retails from $US16,800.
*The author travelled to Las Vegas as a guest of Hisense.
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