Bizarre Bots and Robo Collisions: A CES 2025 Robotics Roundup

This year’s CES 2025 offered a glimpse into the changing face of robotics—though not quite in the way many had hoped. With AI on a meteoric rise, observers expected to find a host of groundbreaking, practical robots. Instead, we encountered a whimsical mix: cuddly mechanical companions, experimental designs, and one alarming humanoid that took at least one person by surprise. Below are the most memorable bots we encountered, for better or worse.

Scorpion: The Dancing “Bartender”

One robot that drew a fair amount of attention was Scorpion, built by Richtech Robotics. While it wasn’t busy mixing cocktails when we saw it—nor creeping around as its name suggests—it did perform a synchronized dance routine with another robot called Adam, set to the track “Apt.” That’s right: a K-pop-esque performance from a machine shaped like a scorpion. If you’re intrigued by arthropodal aesthetics or choreographed bot moves, this one might catch your eye. 

Unitree’s G1 and Quadruped “Robot Dog”

Of all the robots at CES 2025, Unitree’s offerings packed the biggest “wow” factor. The company introduced a four-legged “robot dog”—a creation reminiscent of Boston Dynamics’ Spot—that ran around the exhibit booth, climbed stairs, and stood up on its hind legs to the amazement of onlookers.

However, the real surprise came from Unitree’s new humanoid, the G1. While photographing this roughly four-foot-tall android, one of our reporters suddenly found themselves the target of a high-speed collision. The G1, weighing in at around 60 pounds, careened straight into the hapless bystander—pinned in place by a crowd of curious attendees—until its operator managed to regain control of the remote. Fortunately, it was a joystick blunder, not the start of a machine rebellion, but the experience offered a vivid reminder that real-world demonstrations sometimes veer off-script. 

Mi-Mo: A Six-Legged Table Lamp (With AI)

One of the more offbeat robots at CES was Mi-Mo, a six-legged platform topped with a lamp. We mostly saw it shuffle around the show floor, occasionally “waving,” but its creators have big ambitions. According to them, Mi-Mo’s AI harnesses multiple large language models, allowing it to “think” based on its surroundings. They believe the platform could eventually help with childcare or eldercare, making it more than just a quirky table lamp on mechanical legs. A developer kit is slated to launch later this year, offering researchers and enthusiasts an early look at its underlying technology. —KB

Reachy 2: Adorable Telepresence on a Budget (Sort Of)

Pollen Robotics returned to CES with Reachy 2, an open-source robot priced at a hefty $75,000. Designed with telepresence and data collection in mind, this roving automaton is controlled by a human operator from afar. While its practical applications range from remote customer service to research projects, it’s also simply adorable—particularly when it gives a friendly wave. If you have the funds and you’re eager to explore teleoperation, Reachy 2 might win you over with its charm.

Ropet: The Adorable, Emotionally Intelligent Companion

At the Ropet booth, visitors were greeted by a charming robot covered in soft pink fur. During our visit, a person playfully waved a plastic hotdog in front of Ropet, prompting the robot to respond with animated, cartoon-style hotdogs flashing across its eyes. This delightful interaction instantly won us over, but Ropet offers much more than just cuteness. The robot is equipped to respond to voice commands, touch, and gestures, displaying its own set of emotional reactions. With integrated ChatGPT capabilities, Ropet can engage in meaningful conversations, making it not only an adorable companion but also a versatile conversational partner. 

CES 2025 showed that the AI boom still hasn’t fully reshaped the robotics world. Companies are grappling with how best to integrate emerging technologies into their devices, resulting in a mix of functional concepts, untested prototypes, and playful oddities. Whether it’s a humanoid that occasionally runs amok or a scorpion robot perfecting its dance moves, there’s no denying that these machines made a lasting impression—and hinted at even more fascinating possibilities on the horizon.