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Saturday, January 10, 2026 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Gadget show: robots, smart Lego and AI everything

The CES gadget show in Las Vegas has been packed wall-to-wall with AI-driven tech. (AP PHOTO)

The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas indicates we could be headed into a future with cleaning robots, noisy Lego and bathroom mirrors that assess health, reports JENNIFER DUDLEY-NICHOLSON.

From Lego bricks that make plane noises to smartphones that fold in three, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas has again set the agenda for the year in technology. 

Home-cleaning robots, helpful holograms, and wearable devices for dogs were also featured at the Las Vegas event, held across six days at multiple venues.

Predictably, artificial intelligence dominated many of the announcements, although the software was often given a more practical role in consumers’ lives.

While AI was added to the NuraLogix Longevity Mirror and Withings Body Scan 2 scale to assess users’ health, for example, the technology also featured in a swathe of home appliances to automate chores.

Samsung announced a partnership with Google to add Gemini AI to a smart fridge and wine cellar, which Samsung Australia audiovisual director Simon Howe says could change the way consumers purchase groceries.

“In 2025, AI Vision could recognise up to 37 foods. With Gemini, AI Vision can recognise thousands of ingredients, including fresh, packaged and self-labelled foods, with higher accuracy,” he says.

“AI Vision with Gemini can automatically generate a detailed food list, making it far easier for users to keep track of what food they have, what ingredients need to be used based on expiry dates and what should be replenished.”

Rival LG also made AI announcements for its home products, revealing a humanoid robot named CLOiD that connects to and works with smart appliances.

The company calls its vision “zero labour home” and chief executive Lyu Jae-cheol says the use of AI-powered robotics could “set a new standard for future home life”.

Other technologies unveiled at CES included more powerful laptop chips, more health-tracking devices and more autonomous vehicle plans.

10 WEIRD, WACKY AND WORTHY GADGETS FROM CES 2026

* Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold

Seven years after its first folding phone, Samsung has tripled its efforts.

The tech giant’s TriFold device features three panels that unfurl to show off a 25cm screen you might expect from a tablet computer (albeit one with two creases).

The 309-gram gadget can display multiple apps at once, has a 16.5cm screen up front and is expected to launch in Australia later in 2026.

* LEGO Smart Play

The Danish toymaker is about to prove even simple toys can add technology.

The company will launch Smart Play sets in Australia, including Smart Bricks that light up and make noises when moved and Smart Minifigures that connect with the bricks.

Pre-orders for the kits, with a Star Wars theme, will launch in Australia on Saturday, starting at $US99.99 ($A149.35).

* Switchbot Onero H1

Humanoid robots are not new to CES but this model comes with two working arms and a launch plan.

Switchbot’s home helper is powered by AI and a camera, moves on wheels like a robotic vacuum and is programmed to help with cooking and cleaning.

A demonstration showed the robot collecting dirty laundry and putting it in a washing machine, albeit slowly, and it’s due to launch in 2026 for less than $US10,000 ($A14,900).

 * NuraLogix Longevity Mirror

This AI-powered bathroom addition might make you think twice before checking your reflection in the morning.

It is packed with cameras that use “transdermal optical imaging” to analyse blood flow in your face and assess your heart, metabolic and physical health before estimating your age and giving you a score out of 100.

The $US899 ($A1350) device will come with an annual subscription cost and make health recommendations.

* LG CLOiD

The South Korean firm showed off its take on an artificially intelligent home at CES in a 163cm tall humanoid robot named CLOiD.

It connects to appliances such as fridges, washing machines and ovens to complete chores.

Testing on the robot is expected to begin in 2027.

* Razer Project AVA

What if Siri or Google appeared as a hologram that stood on your desk and talked with you?

That’s the idea behind Razer’s updated Project AVA, which is no longer just for video game coaching but for everyday life.

The device, showing a five-inch hologram, is equipped with a microphone, camera and eye-tracking technology, and uses AI to deliver wardrobe, schedule and dinner ideas.

* Roborock Saros Rover

Robotic vacuum cleaners have defeated obstacles such as pet hair, tiles and rugs but one remains a challenge: stairs.

The Saros Rover promises to overcome them using two extendable legs that can raise and lower the device, allowing it to clean as it climbs.

It also uses motion sensors, cameras and AI to identify areas within homes.

* Allergen Alert

This portable lab is designed for folks with food allergies and the restaurants, cafes and hotels where food is prepared.

Users insert a small sample of a meal into a single-use pouch and the machine can detect the presence of nine allergens, including gluten, nuts, dairy and fish.

It is currently undergoing trials.

* Motorola Razr Fold

The US phone company is joining Google and Samsung in the folding phone race.

The book-shaped device opens to reveal a 21cm screen.

Notably, the Razr Fold will also come with a stylus to write on the screen – something Samsung removed from its latest folding release.

* Satellai Collar Go

Proving wearable technology is not just for humans, this AI-powered device is designed to offer preventative health care for the dog in your life.

The device embedded in the collar tracks motion, sleep, temperature and location, and analyses the data it collects to warn pet owners about potential illnesses or medical conditions.

Australian Associated Press

Australian Associated Press

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