CES 2025 showcased a diverse array of AI-powered robots that offer a glimpse into the future of home automation and companionship. The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas featured everything from hyper-realistic humanoid companions to practical robotic vacuums with unprecedented capabilities.
Realbotix stole headlines with its human-like companion robots featuring “relationship-based AI.” These remarkably realistic bots range from $10,000 for a bust model to $175,000 for a full-body version with 14+ moveable facial points. The robots use AI for conversations and camera-equipped eyes for facial recognition, explicitly designed for “companionship and intimacy.” Comedian Whitney Cummings has previously showcased her own Realbotix lookalike.
TCL introduced Ai me, dubbed the “world’s first modular AI companion robot.” This family-friendly bot features doe eyes, flapping wings, and interchangeable outfits appealing to children, while offering smart home integration and AI image recognition for adults. Currently a concept, Ai me demonstrates how companies are designing robots to bridge entertainment and utility.
On the practical side, robot vacuums received significant AI upgrades. Roborock’s Saros Z70, launching in early 2025, features an extendable robotic arm that uses AI environmental analysis to move obstacles and pick up lightweight items like socks. Dreame’s X50 Ultra takes innovation further with retractable legs enabling it to climb small ledges—a step toward navigating multi-level homes. Available for preorder at $1,699.99, it launches February 14.
Samsung’s Ballie, first unveiled in 2020, will finally reach consumers this year. This spherical AI companion can answer calls, project movies, and monitor pets while owners are away. Meanwhile, Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi offers a whimsical take—a fluffy, bird-like robot accessory that attaches to bags and responds shyly to human presence.
Beyond CES, the robotics race intensifies. Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot aims for consumer launch in coming years, while Amazon’s $1,600 Astro remains invite-only. Apple reportedly develops home robots, and Nvidia announced its GB10 AI superchip specifically designed to power humanoid robots and advanced AI applications. The variety of designs—from cute to functional to hyper-realistic—reflects companies’ uncertainty about consumer preferences and the ongoing debate about robot aesthetics and the uncanny valley effect.
Key Quotes
designed specifically for companionship and intimacy
Realbotix’s robot named Aria described the purpose of their humanoid robots during a CES demo, highlighting how AI companion robots are explicitly targeting emotional and intimate human needs, raising questions about the future of human-AI relationships.
world’s first modular AI companion robot
TCL’s description of its Ai me robot emphasizes the modular design approach that allows the bot to serve multiple functions—from children’s companion to smart home controller—demonstrating how manufacturers are creating versatile AI platforms rather than single-purpose devices.
Our Take
CES 2025’s robot lineup reveals an industry at a crossroads between utility and companionship. The stark contrast between Realbotix’s $175,000 humanoid companions and Roborock’s practical vacuum with an arm illustrates competing visions for robotics’ role in daily life. What’s particularly notable is how AI serves as the enabling technology across all categories—whether for environmental mapping, facial recognition, or natural conversation. Nvidia’s GB10 chip announcement may be the most consequential development, providing the computational foundation for increasingly sophisticated robot behaviors. The real test comes when these products hit the market: will consumers embrace AI companions, or will practical applications like enhanced cleaning robots dominate? The aesthetic diversity—from cute and approachable to hyper-realistic—suggests manufacturers themselves are uncertain about consumer preferences, making 2025 a crucial year for discovering what robot designs resonate with mainstream buyers.
Why This Matters
CES 2025’s robot showcase signals a pivotal moment in bringing AI-powered robotics from industrial settings into consumer homes. The diversity of approaches—from $175,000 companion bots to $1,700 smart vacuums—demonstrates how companies are testing different price points and use cases to identify viable markets.
The integration of advanced AI capabilities like environmental analysis, facial recognition, and natural language processing into consumer robots represents a significant technological leap. Nvidia’s GB10 superchip announcement underscores the infrastructure investments enabling this robotics revolution, while major players like Tesla, Amazon, and potentially Apple entering the space validates the market’s potential.
The “relationship-based AI” concept raises important questions about human-robot interaction, loneliness, and social dynamics. As these robots move from concept to consumer reality, society will grapple with ethical considerations around AI companionship, privacy concerns from camera-equipped home robots, and the broader implications of increasingly autonomous machines in intimate domestic spaces. The willingness of consumers to spend thousands on home robots will ultimately determine whether 2025 marks the beginning of mainstream robot adoption or remains a niche market for early adopters.
Recommended Reading
For those interested in learning more about artificial intelligence, machine learning, and effective AI communication, here are some excellent resources:
Recommended Reading
Related Stories
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s Predictions on How AI Could Change the World by 2025
- Mistral AI’s Consumer and Enterprise Chatbot Strategy
- Apple’s Vision Pro headset brings AI to the forefront
- AI-Fueled Shopping Assistants Drive Surge in Online Holiday Sales
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/new-robots-ces-2025-samsung-roborock-tcl-2025-1