10 Innovative Gadgets Launched at CES 2021

Article By : Cabe Atwell

The latest gadgets were unveiled at CES 2021 including robots, drones, health monitors, holographs, and smart perfume...

CES has always been a great conference where companies have shown off their latest technologies and consumer gadgets, since the first CES was held in 1964. While this year’s trade show was the first to be an all-digital affair due to the pandemic, it hasn’t slowed any of the participating companies and manufacturers from unveiling their latest and most fantastic devices. In this roundup, we will take a look at some of the new gadgets that have won CES awards and others that have set the bar high in terms of innovation in any application. 1: NINU Smart Perfume One of the more unique products highlighted at this year’s CES comes from NINU, with its smart perfume of the same name. NINU smart perfume allows users to customize scents using a small cylindrical container that contains three distinct scents, which can be combined to create custom fragrances using an iPhone app.
(Image source: NINU)
The app is designed around an AI entity known as Pierre, who offers different mix suggestions based on the user’s past scent selections, although users will still be able to tweak the mix to their specifications. The app also notifies users when the fragrances are running low, allowing them to restock the containers when necessary. Each fragrance is also vegan-friendly, created from sustainably-sourced ingredients, and is phthalate, paraben, and sulfate-free. 2: IKIN RYZ Hologram Technology
(Image source: IKIN)
San Diego-based startup IKIN is developing a device that brings holographic technology to smartphones with its RYZ technology. According to IKIN, the RYZ volumetric display can accurately project every color in the spectrum and creates holograms using a specialized chemical polymer lens. The platform makes use of AI to understand its surrounding environment, allowing developers to design more life-like movements with their content, making for believable representations. What’s more, RYZ will offer full touch interactivity and control, allowing holograms to respond in a realistic manner. The RYZ app will also allow users to convert 2D images into live 3D holograms — including photos, drawings, and other artworks — then customize them with a touch of a button. 3: LG Electronics Rollable Phone
(Image source: LG Electronics)
LG Electronics teased a new rollable smartphone prototype, known as Rollable, which functions somewhat like a paper scroll, where two sides can be pulled or pushed together to create a larger or smaller flexible display. The screen is tucked away inside the phone’s body when not in use, leaving only the needed display real estate visible at any given time. The Rollable phone only had roughly 10 seconds of screen time on LG’s presentation — so complete details are still a mystery — but a few details have surfaced. For example, the screen is connected to the bottom of the phone, then rolls around the top half, then recedes into the bottom half when manipulated like an old-school window shade. This allows the screen to become larger or smaller using the same display without sacrificing HD quality. 4: Omron VitalSight Health Monitor
(Image source: OMRON Healthcare)
Omron Healthcare has unveiled its VitalSight telehealth blood pressure monitoring service that keeps tabs on hypertension and high blood pressure, both precursors for strokes and heart attacks. The VitalSight system connects patients directly with their doctors for in-home monitoring, which is an excellent feature during a pandemic. VitalSight features a kit that includes a smart cuff, which connects securely and independently to a patient’s doctor or healthcare provider. Blood pressure data feeds straight into the patient’s electronic medical records, where medical professionals can then spot trends in the collected data to intervene before a stroke or heart attack potentially happens. 5: GoodMaps Explore Navigation Platform
(Image source: GoodMaps)
GoodMaps Explore is a navigation app for those who are visually impaired or blind, which acts as an orientation platform that reads directions, street names, and points of interest out loud. Interestingly, the app follows the user’s heading, meaning the app will read out those navigational interests in real time, depending on where users are pointing their mobile device. The app is currently for outdoor use only, but its creators are currently adding indoor locations using back-mounted LiDAR systems. The forthcoming upgrade will provide step-by-step directions for places such as libraries, museums, and government offices. The GoodMaps Explore has an accuracy of within three feet of any target and a misstep range of 10- to 15-feet, which the company hopes to reduce in future revisions. 6: CareClever Cutii Companion Robot
(Image source: Cutii USA)
CareClever launched its Cutii companion robot designed to provide companionship and well-being to the elderly at home or in community centers. The robot addresses several senior needs including friendship, connection, and logistical help, which it does on command. Cutii offers a number of features, including voice and remote control, visual notifications, an adjustable neck, and autonomous navigation. It can also adapt its facial expressions throughout the day to correspond with the user’s emotions. What’s more, the robot will come to the user’s location in an emergency and dial the appropriate contacts when, or if, the need arises. 7: Samsung JetBot 90 AI+
(Image source: Samsung)
Samsung unveiled its new robot vacuum that’s been upgraded with the latest technology for optimal cleanliness. The JetBot 90 AI+ comes outfitted with a LiDAR array it uses to scan its surroundings, then uses AI to discern the optimal path around the home. When the robot comes into tight spaces with low headroom, the LiDAR system tucks away until it moves into an open space. It also utilizes 3D sensors and AI to identify objects on the floor and how best to handle them when it comes in contact. For example, if the robot identifies a piece of clothing on the floor, it will avoid getting the garment caught in its brushes. The JetBot 90 AI+ will also send an alert when it identifies objects it encounters that users may want to see, such as pets or people, as it journeys on its cleaning endeavor. 8: Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen
(Image source: Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz unveiled its MBUX Hyperscreen for the new EQS sport utility vehicle, which spans an impressive 56 inches, stretching from the driver’s door to the passenger side of the vehicle. The sizable curved display takes the place of conventional panels and digitizes everything, including the speedometer, tachometer, fuel, air conditioning, navigation, lighting, and entertainment. An 8-core CPU powers the display with 24 GB of RAM, so it can easily play Doom, and its AI-powered and can tailor most settings to user’s preferences while offering suggestions for different applications. Passengers also have their own display area, offering many entertainment functions, including movies and games, which makes traveling fun. 9: Sony Airpeak AI-Powered Drone
(Image source: Sony)
Sony teased its upcoming Airpeak AI-powered drone capable of carrying the company’s Alpha camera system. Not much is known about the drone, other than it is designed for businesses and content creators and is expected to launch this spring. The craft is outfitted with four rotors and two landing arms that extend and retract during takeoff and landing without interfering with the camera payload. Sony also states the drone is AI driven for dynamic filming and image stabilization while in flight. It will be interesting to see the final details when the Airpeak launches in the next few months. 10: BioIntelliSense BioButton
(Image source: BioIntelliSense)
BioIntelliSense highlighted its new BioButton at this year’s CES, a device outfitted with sensors to detect coronavirus symptoms. The BioButton is worn on the chest using a medical adhesive and uses the sensors to monitor skin temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate, activity level, and sleep. After a few days of monitoring the wearer’s vitals, the BioButton can use that data to identify if the wearer shows any coronavirus-related symptoms, even if the wearer doesn’t show any sign of having the virus. UCHealth in Colorado is already fielding the device to monitor healthcare workers and has already been cleared by the FDA for home use. These were just a handful of new devices and technologies that were presented by their respective companies at this year’s CES conference. Of course, there were tons more including the latest in displays, mobile devices, single-board computers (SBCs), and robots — as well as autonomous systems, AI-driven appliances, and more.

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