The Uncanny and the Absurd: Exploring the Weirdest Tech of CES 2026
Every year, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas serves as a stage for the world’s biggest tech giants to showcase their most polished innovations. We see the sleekest OLED TVs, the fastest processors, and the most advanced electric vehicles. But if you look past the neon lights of the main halls, you find the real soul of CES: the strange, the unexpected, and the downright bizarre. These are the gadgets that make you pause and ask, “Wait, who actually thought this was a good idea?”
At MyTechn, we’ve spent the week scouring the show floor to find the devices that defy logic and push the boundaries of “Physical AI.” From holographic anime roommates to musical lollipops, here is our definitive guide to the strangest technology of CES 2026.
1. Razer’s Project AVA: The Holographic Roommate Who Never Sleeps
Razer is known for gaming peripherals, but Project AVA is something entirely different. Standing at 5.5 inches, AVA is an animated holographic companion that sits on your desk. Last year, it was teased as an AI coach for esports, but in 2026, it has evolved into a full-blown personal assistant. You can choose your avatar—whether it’s the muscular “Zane” or the anime-inspired “Kira”—and they will track your every move.
Using advanced lip-syncing and eye-tracking technology, AVA interacts with you in a startlingly realistic way. However, there’s a catch that might make our privacy-conscious readers at MyTechn a bit nervous: AVA uses a built-in camera to constantly observe both you and your computer screen. The idea is that it can offer real-time productivity tips or gaming strategies, but the feeling of being “watched” by a 5-inch anime girl while you work is, admittedly, a bit unnerving. Razer stresses this is still a concept, but it’s a fascinating—and creepy—look at the future of desktop interaction.
2. An’An the AI Panda: A Robotic Solution for Loneliness
Artificial intelligence isn’t just for spreadsheets; it’s getting soft and cuddly. Mind with Heart Robotics introduced An’An, an AI-powered baby panda designed specifically for senior citizens. Packed with sensors that react naturally to touch, An’An is more than just a toy. It features “Emotional AI” that learns the user’s voice, habits, and preferences over time.
The goal is to fight the epidemic of loneliness among the elderly. An’An provides 24/7 emotional support, but it also has a practical side. It can remind seniors to take their medication or complete daily tasks, and it can even alert caregivers if it detects a change in the user’s well-being. It’s a heartwarming use of Physical AI that bridges the gap between high-tech robotics and human empathy.
3. The $500 AI Ice Maker: Silencing the Crunch
If you’ve ever owned a “nugget” ice maker, you know they can be incredibly noisy. Startup GoveeLife thinks AI is the answer. Their new Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro features “AI NoiseGuard” technology. The machine uses sensors to recognize when it’s about to freeze or become noisy and automatically initiates a defrost cycle before the clatter starts.
For $499.99, this machine can produce 60 pounds of ice a day and is fully integrated with smart home apps. While $500 might seem like a lot for an ice maker, for those who value a quiet home environment, it’s a high-tech luxury that solves a very specific (and loud) problem.
4. Seattle Ultrasonics: The Knife That Vibrates 30,000 Times Per Second
Cooking is about to get a lot more high-tech. Seattle Ultrasonics unveiled a chef’s knife that uses ultrasonic vibrations to slice through food like a hot wire through butter. The blade vibrates 30,000 times per second, allowing it to cut through tough meats, delicate breads, and hard vegetables with zero resistance.
The company claims that the handle is perfectly still—you won’t feel a thing while the blade does the heavy lifting. At $399, it’s a steep price for a kitchen knife, but for professional chefs or gadget-obsessed home cooks, it might be the ultimate “cutting-edge” tool.
5. Lollipop Star: Bone Conduction Candy?
Perhaps the most “CES” product on this list is the musical lollipop from Lollipop Star. Using bone conduction technology—the same tech used in high-end headphones and hearing aids—this lollipop plays music directly into your inner ear through your jawbone as you eat it.
You can choose your “flavor and artist” combo, such as an Ice Spice peach lollipop or an Akon blueberry one. It’s a bizarre sensory experience that turns a simple candy into a private concert. It’s strange, it’s delicious, and it’s a perfect example of tech for tech’s sake.
6. The Zeroth W1: Part Wall-E, Part Camping Bodyguard
Looking remarkably like the lovable Wall-E, the Zeroth W1 is a family companion robot with a split personality. At home, it provides 360-degree security surveillance and smoke detection for a price tag of $4,999. But when you go camping, the W1 follows you into the wild.
It can carry your gear, act as a family photographer using its AI-tracking cameras, and even provide portable power for your other devices. While it can’t sort trash like its cinematic inspiration, it is a versatile (and expensive) companion for the modern, tech-forward family.
7. The Mira Ultra4: A High-Tech Egg for Health Tracking
Not all weird tech is just for fun; some of it is deeply personal. Mira’s Ultra4 Hormone Monitor is an egg-shaped device that brings clinical-grade hormone testing into the home. By analyzing a simple urine sample on a wand, the device tracks four key reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, E3G, and PdG).
For $249, it provides women with deep insights into their fertility, perimenopause, and general reproductive health. It’s a sophisticated piece of medical tech disguised as a minimalist home accessory, proving that Physical AI can be both discreet and life-changing.
The MyTechn Verdict: Is “Weird” the New Normal?
As we look at the array of devices at CES 2026, a clear theme emerges: Personalization through Surveillance. Whether it’s a desk companion watching your screen or a robot panda learning your voice, the “weirdest” tech is almost always the tech that collects the most data.
From a Cybersecurity perspective, this is a double-edged sword. While these devices offer incredible convenience and emotional support, they also represent new vulnerabilities in our digital lives. As we integrate these “strange” devices into our homes, we must remain vigilant about where our data is going and who—or what—is watching us. After all, a holographic anime girl might be a great productivity coach, but she’s also a 24/7 camera in your most private space.
Comparison: The Weird and the Wonderful
| Product | Category | Price | The “Weird” Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Razer Project AVA | Desktop Assistant | Concept | Holographic girl watches your screen. |
| An’An AI Panda | Health/Senior Care | TBA | Reacts to touch and fights loneliness. |
| Ultrasonic Knife | Kitchen Tech | $399 | Vibrates 30,000 times per second. |
| Musical Lollipop | Entertainment/Food | TBA | Plays music through your jawbone. |
| Zeroth W1 Robot | Security/Adventure | $4,999 | Wall-E lookalike for camping. |
External and Internal Links
- Razer Official Website (External)
- TechCrunch CES 2026 Live Coverage (External)
- Cybersecurity Risks of IoT Devices (Internal)
- Jump to Frequently Asked Questions (Internal)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will Razer actually release Project AVA?
Currently, Project AVA is a “concept,” which means Razer uses it to showcase technology rather than a guaranteed product. However, many Razer concepts eventually turn into real consumer goods.
2. Is bone conduction music safe?
Yes, bone conduction has been used for decades in medical hearing aids and sports headphones. It bypasses the eardrum, making it a safe alternative for many users.
3. How does the AI Ice Maker actually “know” to be quiet?
It uses sound sensors and internal temperature data to predict when the loud “harvesting” phase of ice making is about to happen and adjusts the cooling cycle to minimize mechanical noise.
4. Can the Zeroth W1 robot really handle rough camping terrain?
The W1 is designed for light adventure, like established campsites. While it is sturdy, it’s not a rugged off-road vehicle and may struggle with very rocky or steep mountain paths.
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