Would you spoon with a robot? Or buy a TV that can disappear on demand, with the push of a button? Both concepts sound likes ones worthy of their own Black Mirror episode, but that's the sort of thing visitors to CES, the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, are used to seeing: Crazy products that bring science-fiction concepts into a 21st-century reality.
This year, there was no shortage of robots, virtual reality headsets, and smart home devices. But the products that really stand out tend to be the ones that bring an element of fun, while also serving an important purpose.
Ahead, a look at the beauty, health, sleep, and home gadgets that are taking us forward in 2018 and beyond.
Aflac — yes, that "AFF-LACK" of duck fame — was a surprise winner at CES this year. The company debuted an adorable toy version of its famous animal spokesperson that is far more than just a stuffed animal.
Intended to help kids with cancer, the My Special Aflac Duck falls into a category of robots known as social robots — ones that provide companionship and support through interactivity. Kids can feed and bathe the duck, as well as tap circular emoji cards against the duck's body to have it mimic how they are feeling. Aflac is giving the duck out for free at children's hospitals, making this the feel-good kick-off 2018 needed.
Aflac My Aflac Special Duck, free, available in limited release in early 2018.
If you're a kid of the 90s, you might remember hearing about AIBO — a cute, though very futuristic looking robotic dog that reflected emotion and was ahead of its time. Aibo 2.0, which was announced at the end of 2017, is a much more advanced, adorable take on a smart robotic pet.
For starters, the dog looks more like an actual dog than a robot. Its tail, ears, and eyes move more realistically and a built-in camera allows it to become aware of and adapt to its surroundings. This is the "pet" everyone who can't own a real pet will need. Good dog, Aibo.
Sony AIBO, currently only available in Japan.
Spooning with a robot sounds ridiculous and Black Mirror -esque, but Somnox manages to make the concept surprisingly adorable and useful.
It's still early stages for the peanut-shaped robot, but the prototype is promising for anyone who has trouble falling asleep. Somnox feels heftier than a smart pillow and syncs with your breathing — hold it, and you can feel a subtle heartbeat. You can also set the robot up to play white noise or guided meditation, which will turn off when you do fall asleep. The comfy, zip-off cover is machine-washable, too. It's the higher-tech alternative to counting sheep.
Somnox Sleep Robot, pre-order for $600, available at Indiegogo.
What if your TV didn't need to be permanently on display, taking up your wall space? This is the question LG's new rollable OLED display answers. The device lets you see your screen on demand: Press a button to raise it and watch TV, and press the same button again to hide it.
We've seen TVs that also serve as art displays, allowing you to multi-task on your wall and ditch the blank black screen, but the option to make your screen disappear completely is an entirely new approach to home decorating.
LG 65-inch Rollable OLED Display, price and release date not yet announced.
Courtesy of LG.
Of all the innovations revealed this week in Las Vegas, L’Oréal's UV Sense is one of the easiest to use and it's useful for everyone, regardless of whether or not you're at the beach. Similar to the company's first smart skin sensor, the UV Patch, UV Sense is a stick-on that lets its wearers track their UV exposure in real-time via an accompanying app.
UV Sense is smaller than the UV Patch and sticks right on your thumb, the area of your body L’Oréal says is most likely to be constantly exposed to the sun. The bonus: Once you stick it on, you'll barely even notice it.
L’Oréal UV Sense, price TBD, launching in limited release summer 2018.
Courtesy of L’Oréal.
The Peloton Tread is one of the more expensive at-home innovations unveiled at CES this year. However, it will appeal to anyone who loves boutique classes, but has trouble making them fit with their schedule in-person.
The company has built a community of at-home exercisers who livestream classes or watch pre-recorded classes via the machine's 32" HD touchscreen. The Tread is the company's second piece of equipment (the Bike is already available) and will allow you to tap into running, walking, and total body training.
Yes, it's pricey, but individual boutique fitness classes add up, too.
Peloton Tread, starting at $3,995, available for pre-order (shipping Fall 2018) at Peloton.
Courtesy of Peloton.
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