While CES 2026 is a hub for tech giants showcasing groundbreaking innovations, some of the most captivating moments come from stumbling upon truly bizarre and unexpected gadgets that leave attendees questioning, "Who even thought of this?" We've scoured the show floor to bring you a roundup of the wildest products unveiled so far, from an AI-powered panda pet designed for companionship to a holographic anime assistant for your desk, and other peculiar tech that demands a second look.
Razer's Project AVA: Your Holographic AI Desk Companion
Razer's Project AVA, first introduced as an esports AI coach last year, has undergone a significant transformation. It's now a 5.5-inch animated holographic desk companion, offering assistance with gaming strategies, productivity, daily organization, and even personal advice. This versatile device acts as both a gaming ally and an everyday assistant, allowing users to select from various characters like the anime girl Kira or the muscular Zane. These digital avatars boast lifelike movements, eye-tracking, expressive faces, and lip-syncing for realistic interactions. However, a notable feature that gives some pause is the constant monitoring: the device utilizes a built-in camera to observe both the user and their screen. While intriguing, it remains a concept for now, with no guarantee of a full market release.
An'An: A Cuddly AI Baby Panda Robot for Elderly Care
From Mind with Heart Robotics comes An'An, an AI pet that blends an adorable baby panda design with a crucial mission: supporting elderly care. Equipped with high-tech sensors across its body, An'An responds naturally to touch. Its emotional AI learns and adapts, remembering voices, interaction patterns, and preferences, becoming more personalized with extended use. This robotic companion offers round-the-clock emotional support to combat loneliness. Furthermore, An'An can assist older adults facing memory challenges by promoting engagement, providing reminders for daily tasks, and keeping caregivers informed about their well-being.
Govee Life's AI-Powered Quiet Ice Maker
Smart home appliance brand Govee Life introduced a countertop smart ice maker that leverages AI for remarkably quiet operation. The device features the company's patented AI NoiseGuard technology, which actively reduces the typical noise associated with nugget ice machines. By detecting when the machine is about to freeze and generate noise, the AI automatically initiates a defrost cycle before sounds become disruptive. The Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro produces fresh ice in just six minutes and can generate up to 60 pounds daily, with its bucket holding 3.5 pounds at a time. Priced at $499.99, it's a premium investment for ice enthusiasts, available from January 15 at Amazon, govee.com, Walmart, and Best Buy.
Seattle Ultrasonics' Vibrating Chef's Knife
This kitchen gadget from Seattle Ultrasonics might strike some as unconventional, while others will see its clear utility. Unlike conventional blades, this chef's knife features a blade that vibrates over 30,000 times per second, allowing it to glide through food effortlessly. This ultrasonic vibration technology effectively makes the knife perform far sharper than its physical edge, significantly simplifying tasks such as slicing vegetables, meats, or bread. The company claims these vibrations are so subtle they are imperceptible to the eye, ear, or hand. The knife is available for pre-order at $399.
Lollipop Star: The Musical Lollipop with Bone Conduction
If musical toothbrushes are a thing, then why not musical lollipops? Lollipop Star unveiled its innovative confection at CES, which delivers music directly into your head via bone conduction while you enjoy its fruity flavor. This technology transmits vibrations through your skull bones directly to your inner ear, creating a unique auditory experience. Users can choose from lollipops featuring three distinct artists: Ice Spice (peach flavored), Akon (blueberry flavored), and Armani White (lime flavored).
