They are capable of gliding, twirling, snatching a chocolate bar, and sluggishly maneuvering it into your waiting hand. The finest robots at CES 2025 didn’t display any significant advancements in the movement sector, at least not when held against 2024. Rather, the robots at this edition of CES—be it the most impressive or the most peculiar—were primarily centered around behaving endearingly for the camera.

The previous year’s CES top robots provided us with human-like designs such as Unitree’s H1, which lacks a visage, and Enchanted Tool’s Mirokai with arguably an abundance of facial features. Those same robotics firms showcased at the recent exhibition with modestly enhanced models and—naturally—the inclusion of AI chat systems. The smaller participants weren’t isolated in embracing AI for robots. Samsung and TCL attracted onlookers with their domestic robots laden with visual and linguistic AI systems.

Yukai Engineering Mirumi

For what reason might you desire a robot in your existence? Well, because it’s irresistibly adorable, that’s why. Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi is a petite, fuzzy robot that perches in your handbag and gazes at the individuals nearby. It performs no other function but to gaze, employing only the necessary sensors to detect the presence of others. You may arrange its limbs to your preference for a truly unexpected Elf on the Shelf scenario upon someone’s entrance into your room. While every robot on this list suggests the necessity of an AI-driven device for inquiries at home, Mirumi prioritizes aesthetics. In this regard, it hits the mark.

Metapet Noono

Folks still rave about Tombot’s Jennie labrador robot and similar fluffy robotic critters. Understandable, so, why not indulge ourselves with additional robotic creatures to scamper around our domiciles? At CES 2025, Metapet presented its Noono AI robotic pet hamster. Disregard the prominent glowing emissions from their nostrils. When stroked, it responds by arching its spine. For recharging, you simply lodge it in its own infant carrier-style basket.

Samsung Ballie

During CES 2024, Ballie was among the highlights, and for 2025, it acquired a few enhancements. Armed with a refined AI system, the spherical bot can now furnish more detailed responses to user inquiries. The bot should also deliver quicker reaction times, which was crucial during a demonstration where Samsung representatives requested Ballie to suggest some wine options. The roaming robot still possesses its projector display that enables user interaction, though it may remain somewhat sluggish for most users expecting immediate responses. As for availability, Samsung hasn’t disclosed any information regarding a prospective launch date or potential pricing details.

TCL AiMe

TCL’s conceptual robot had similarities with Samsung’s Ballie but possessed an endearing, baby animal-esque head. AiMe carries three distinct “cores” packed with varied AI frameworks. The driving core facilitates its mobility and includes speakers for audio output. The “Baby Core” equips it with further AI capabilities, enabling interaction with users through AI-assisted sight and communication. Another “Mini Core” is separable, serving as a portable AI linkage. At CES, TCL’s demonstrations of AiMe’s potential were limited. Rather, observers saw an infantile bot navigate around, blinking, and providing a glimpse into a future dominated by charming automatons.

Galbot Automation Store Bot

In its CES exhibit, Nvidia exhibited several demonstrations for their fresh GeForce RTX 50-series GPUs but allotted some presence for Galbot, leveraging the chipmaker’s robotic data repository. Displaying these functionalities, Galbot maneuvered towards a shelf filled with sweets and beverages, deftly grasping items with its pincher-like appendages, and then gently released the treat into a hand. Did recipients keep that complimentary morsel? Certainly not.

Unitree Go2 Robotic Canine

Unitree introduced its two-legged G1 configuration during CES, although the robot remained stationary when we visited their exhibit. Reports indicated that the G1 sometimes dashed towards participants, due to missteps with its controller. Alternatively, Unitree’s four-legged robot, the Go 2, executed stunts for us. This canine robot could balance on two legs, stand on its back legs, and perform acrobatics based on simple prompts. Equipped with a broad 4D LiDAR sensor, the Go 2 monitors its surroundings efficiently. Beyond this, its price begins at $1,600, which is considerably more attainable compared to Boston Dynamics’ robotic canine Spot, priced about $74,500.

Jzai Mi-Mo

Envision the Pixar lamp mascot but outfitted with spider-like appendages shakily closing in on you. Jzai’s Mi-Mo resembles a six-legged table with an attached light, yet in spite of any initial apprehensions, it courteously waves at the CES attendees. Utilizing multiple AI sight models, Mi-Mo attempts to engage with its surroundings but remains somewhat constrained in its functions. Its current model lacks the speed seen in other crab-like tables such as lastyear’s Carpentopod configuration, though perhaps if these tables remain courteous, I might consider allowing one to parade around my residence.

Roborock Saros Z70

Robovacs rarely thrill the robotics enthusiasts as they once did, yet attach an arm to one, and suddenly, a machine like the Roborock Saros Z70 appears innovative. The Z70’s “Omnigrip” arm part is designed to trace and seize any stray socks lying on your rug. It may not be rapid, but if you or your children find it too tedious to stoop and remove debris from your flooring, Saros Z70 will manage it on your behalf.