TL;DR
CES 2026 highlighted a growing category of physical AI devices built more for companionship than chores, from toy-like puffballs to humanoid assistants. Exhibitors presented a mix of practical home robots and emotionally oriented products, though manufacturers often gave only vague descriptions of the AI powering them.
What happened
At CES 2026 several companies showcased robots designed primarily as companions or pet-like devices rather than task-focused machines. Alongside appliances that promise automation — voice-controlled refrigerators, AI baristas and upgraded robovacs — exhibitors presented novelty and social robots. Examples included Loona’s DeskMate, which turns an iPhone into a character with large tracking eyes and has Slack and meeting features; Zeroth’s W1, a small mobile companion that follows users and carries items (currently available only in China); and Zeroth’s M1, a doll-sized humanoid that uses Google’s Gemini model for conversations and offers reminders and fall detection. Other entries were explicitly emotional: Fuzozo’s portable puffball that purrs and recognizes an owner via a cellular connection, and Ecovacs’ LilMilo, a Bichon-like companion the company says uses AI and “lifelike biometrics” to recognize voices and adapt. Many vendors described AI capabilities at a high level without detailed technical disclosures.
Why it matters
- Physical AI devices are moving beyond screens into everyday spaces, shifting the form factor of consumer AI.
- Manufacturers are marketing companionship and emotional engagement as central product value, not just utility.
- The trend signals companies aim to expand social-robot markets beyond Asia into Western households.
- Vague or generic descriptions of AI in these products raise questions about transparency and capability expectations.
Key facts
- CES 2026 featured both task-oriented robots (smart refrigerators, AI baristas, advanced robovacs) and social/companion robots.
- Loona’s DeskMate converts an iPhone into a pet-like companion with eye tracking; the company says it uses AI but did not specify how.
- Zeroth unveiled W1, a small following robot that can carry items and take photos; W1 is available in China only, per the company.
- Zeroth’s M1 is a doll-sized humanoid companion that integrates Google’s Gemini model for conversation and offers reminders, childcare assistance and fall detection.
- Fuzozo showed a portable puffball pet that purrs, recognizes its owner and includes a cellular connection for mobility.
- Ecovacs demonstrated LilMilo, an emotional companion modeled on a Bichon Frisé; the company describes it as using AI and “lifelike biometrics” to recognize voices and adapt to users.
- Several humanoid robots, including LG’s CLOiD and SwitchBot’s Onero H1, were showcased as more general-purpose helpers; Boston Dynamics’ Atlas was presented in the context of factory-floor use.
- Many companies used broad or promotional language to describe AI capabilities, leaving technical specifics unspecified.
What to watch next
- Whether companies succeed in marketing companion robots to Western consumers and how sales develop over the next year.
- Transparency about the AI inside these devices — detailed disclosures on models, data usage and on-device versus cloud processing are not confirmed in the source.
- Potential consumer reactions to emotionally framed robots and any emerging guidance or regulation regarding privacy and safety — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Companion robot: A robot designed primarily to provide social interaction, emotional support or companionship rather than perform labor-intensive tasks.
- Robovac: An autonomous vacuum cleaner that navigates and cleans floors with varying levels of sensors and intelligence.
- Humanoid robot: A robot with a human-like form or features, often intended for interaction in environments built for people.
- Biometrics: Biological measurements or patterns (such as voice, face, or gait) used to identify or adapt responses to individuals.
- Cellular connection: A mobile network link (e.g., LTE or 5G) that allows a device to communicate without relying on local Wi-Fi.
Reader FAQ
Were these companion robots widely available to buy after CES?
Availability varies by product; for example, Zeroth’s W1 is currently available only in China, while broader retail details for many devices were not confirmed in the source.
Do manufacturers explain what AI models power these robots?
Some vendors named elements (Zeroth’s M1 uses Google’s Gemini), but many descriptions of AI capabilities were high level and technical details were not specified.
Are these robots intended to replace household appliances or workers?
Not confirmed in the source.
Do companion robots store or share personal data?
Not confirmed in the source.
NEWS AI TECH AI moves into the real world as companion robots and pets Sometimes AI doesn’t need to be a know-it-all, it just wants to keep you company. by…
Sources
- AI moves into the real world as companion robots and pets
- Samsung Presents 'Your Companion to AI Living' Vision at …
- Japanese startup Ludens AI brought two very adorable …
- The most exciting AI tech I've tried at CES 2026 so far …
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