CES 2024: The Weirdest Robots We Saw (And Why They Matter)

CES has consistently been a showcase for the latest in robotics, and this year’s event was no exception. Beyond the serious advancements like the production-ready debut of Boston Dynamics’ Atlas humanoid, the showroom floor was brimming with robots that, while perhaps not immediately deployable on a large scale, offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of automation. These bots serve as powerful marketing tools, but more importantly, they spark conversation and demonstrate the incredible progress being made in the field. From ping pong players to robotic butlers, I spent considerable time exploring the robotic landscape at CES 2024. Here’s a deep dive into some of the most memorable – and sometimes peculiar – robots I encountered, and why their development is significant.

The Rise of Robotic Recreation: Beyond Industrial Automation

The trend at CES 2024 wasn’t just about robots performing practical tasks; it was about robots engaging in activities traditionally reserved for humans. This shift highlights a growing focus on creating robots that can interact with us in more natural and engaging ways, paving the way for wider acceptance and integration into our daily lives. This is a key indicator of the maturing robotics industry, moving beyond purely functional applications.

The Ping Pong Prodigy: Sharpa Robotics and Dexterity

Fresh off the release of the movie Marty Supreme, it felt fitting to see a ping pong-playing robot at CES. Sharpa, a Chinese robotics firm, demonstrated a full-bodied bot competing against a human employee. While the robot was losing 5-9 during my visit, and the pace wasn’t exactly breakneck, the spectacle was impressive. The real purpose behind this demonstration wasn’t necessarily ping pong prowess, but to showcase the dexterity of Sharpa’s robotic hand, their core product. This highlights a crucial area of robotics development: creating hands capable of the nuanced movements required for complex tasks.

The Boxer Bot: EngineAI’s T800 and the Illusion of Intelligence

EngineAI, another Chinese company developing humanoid robots, drew large crowds with its T800 bots – a clear nod to the Terminator franchise. These robots were staged in a mock boxing ring, designed to appear as formidable fighting machines. However, the reality was less intimidating. The bots primarily shadowboxed, avoiding actual contact. There were also some comical glitches, including one robot wandering into the audience and another tripping and falling. Despite these imperfections, the bots successfully evoked a sense of uncanny humanoid behavior, providing entertaining – and slightly unsettling – viewing. This demonstrates the power of appearance and behavioral programming in shaping our perception of robotic intelligence.

Humanoid Robots: Progress and Potential Concerns

Humanoid robots continued to be a major focus at CES 2024, with several companies showcasing their latest advancements. These robots represent a significant leap in complexity and capability, but also raise questions about ethical considerations and potential societal impact.

The Dancing Duo: Unitree and the Speed of Innovation

Dancing robots are a CES staple, and Unitree, a prominent Chinese robotics manufacturer, carried the torch this year. Unitree has been subject to scrutiny regarding potential ties to the Chinese military, but at their booth, the focus was on impressive capabilities. They announced a humanoid bot capable of running at speeds up to 11 mph. While I didn’t witness any evidence of questionable activity, the demonstration underscored the rapid pace of innovation in humanoid robotics. The company’s advancements are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of robotic locomotion and agility.

The Convenience Store Clerk: Galbot and Real-World Deployment

Galbot, a Chinese company specializing in multi-modal large language models and general-purpose robotics, presented a robot designed to work in a convenience store setting. Customers could select items from a menu app, and the robot would retrieve them from the shelf. I tested the system by ordering Sour Patch Kids, and the robot successfully delivered. Importantly, Galbot claims their robots are already deployed in real-world settings, including assisting at Chinese pharmacies. This demonstrates a move towards practical applications of robotics in customer service and retail.

Robotics for Everyday Life: Towards a More Automated Future

Beyond entertainment and customer service, CES 2024 showcased robots designed to tackle everyday chores and tasks, bringing the promise of a more automated future closer to reality.

The Laundry Folder: Dyna Robotics and the Quest for Automated Competence

Automated laundry folding has long been considered a benchmark for robotic competence. Dyna Robotics impressed with a system featuring robotic arms efficiently folding laundry and stacking it neatly. They’ve already partnered with businesses like Monster Laundry in Sacramento, California, which claims to be the first laundry center in North America to utilize Dyna’s robotic folding system. Dyna Robotics’ success is further bolstered by a recent $120 million Series A funding round, including investment from tech giants like Nvidia, Amazon, LG, Salesforce, and Samsung. This significant investment signals strong confidence in the future of automated laundry solutions.

The Home Butler: LG’s CLOid and the Evolution of Home Robotics

LG showcased its new home robot, CLOid, at CES. While not the fastest bot on display, CLOid represents LG’s vision for a comprehensive home robotics solution. A full review of the CLOid experience is available elsewhere, but it highlights the ongoing efforts to create robots that can assist with a variety of household tasks, from security monitoring to entertainment. The development of home robots like CLOid is driven by the increasing demand for convenience and automation in the home environment.

Looking Ahead: Key Takeaways from CES 2024

CES 2024 provided a compelling snapshot of the current state of robotics. Several key trends emerged:

• Increased Focus on Dexterity: Companies are prioritizing the development of robotic hands capable of performing complex manipulations.
• Human-Robot Interaction: Robots are being designed to interact with humans in more natural and engaging ways.
• Real-World Deployment: More companies are moving beyond prototypes and deploying robots in practical applications.
• Significant Investment: The robotics industry is attracting substantial investment from major tech companies.
• The Rise of Chinese Robotics Firms: Companies like Sharpa, EngineAI, Unitree, and Galbot are becoming increasingly prominent players in the global robotics landscape.

While many of the robots on display at CES 2024 are still in the development phase, they offer a tantalizing glimpse into a future where robots play an increasingly integral role in our lives. The advancements showcased at this year’s event demonstrate that the robotics revolution is not just coming – it’s already underway. The "weirdest" robots often point to the most innovative thinking, and at CES 2024, that was certainly the case. The continued development of these technologies will undoubtedly shape the future of work, leisure, and everyday life.