David Bridges
CES (formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show) stands as the premier tech convention of the year, shaping the future of technology and innovation. It serves as a launchpad for groundbreaking gadgets and devices that will dominate the market over the next 12 months. Amidst the exciting showcase of quadcopters, robots with dubious intentions, and innovative gadgets featuring flexible screens, the event also includes a myriad of smaller yet delightful elements that contribute to CES’s unique charm. To shine a light on some of the more whimsical, entertaining, and occasionally heartwarming experiences we encountered this year, we proudly present the unofficial Dumb Fun awards for CES 2025.
Discover the Cutest Digger: Komatsu PC01E-2
Komatsu’s PC01E-2 is an adorable little excavator that resembles a toy you’d find in a children’s playground, yet it serves a serious purpose. This charming piece of machinery not only looks cute but is also incredibly functional, capable of digging in tight spots. The design allows it to fit inside most elevators, making it a practical solution for urban excavation tasks—imagine needing to dig on a rooftop! Its compact size and playful aesthetics make it a standout at CES, blending fun with functionality in a delightful way.
FX Super One: Most Likely to Be Vaporware
While it’s essential to maintain an optimistic outlook on emerging technologies, the history of Faraday Future raises eyebrows. Since unveiling its first concept vehicle in 2016, this ambitious company has managed to produce fewer than 20 cars, which is a remarkably low output for such a high-profile startup. Despite this, the founder and CEO rewarded themselves with significant salary increases. At CES 2025, Faraday Future introduced the FX line of electric vehicles, but they appeared unpainted, sporting a camouflage pattern that usually conceals designs prior to a formal announcement. This approach gives the impression that the vehicles are unfinished. While it’s possible for a company to recover and thrive, the FX Super One may just remain a concept, never to grace our roads.
For those in search of a quirky story, this individual is always ready to sacrifice their fashion sense. Even while donning a rather unconventional EcoFlow Power Hat equipped with photovoltaic technology, they maintain an air of dapper charm. This delightful contradiction showcases how technology can mix with personal style in unexpected ways.
The concern surrounding our potential robot overlords often overshadows a more pressing issue: human error. During a demonstration of Unitree’s robot, an operator accidentally fumbled the controls, resulting in the robot tackling our very own Karissa Bell. This incident serves as a reminder that while robots can be formidable, it’s often the humans behind the controls that pose the greatest risk.
Meet the Most Adorable Robot: Mirumi
Initially, this award was intended to spotlight the intriguing gadgets that flew under the radar at CES, but then the Mirumi stole the show and won its own accolade. This charming little robot is designed for a singular purpose: to cling onto your arm and gaze adorably at everything as you stroll about. It resembles a delightful puffball with endearing eyes and an irresistible charm that compels one to protect and cherish it. Its presence brings joy and warmth, making it a standout among the more technical offerings.
Prioritizing skin care is essential since it is the body’s largest organ, but if conventional moisturizers, creams, and exfoliants fall short, you might want to reconsider Shark’s red light mask. While it may promise rejuvenated skin, the sight of someone emerging from the bathroom resembling Doctor Doom might not be the most enticing. The aesthetic impact of such a device could leave your partner running for the hills rather than snuggling up.
Experience the Chillest Booth at CES: AARP
The AARP proudly identifies itself as “the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans aged 50 and older to choose their lifestyles as they age.” Instead of urging attendees to rush from booth to booth to explore cutting-edge gadgets, AARP took a refreshing approach by installing a full-fledged pickleball court right on the convention floor. This innovative setup attracted participants from all age groups, allowing them to casually engage in friendly matches while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of CES. AARP’s initiative created a welcoming space for relaxation and fun amidst the hustle and bustle of the tech showcase.
Jackrabbit: The Company with the Most FOMO
Las Vegas is known for its glaring neon lights and an environment that can overwhelm even the most seasoned traveler. Being a city that’s challenging to navigate on foot, we understand why a company may choose to skip out on attending CES in person. However, sending out pitches about how they are “perfect for CES, but smart enough to skip it” feels disingenuous. Instead of trying to gain attention from the sidelines, companies like Jackrabbit should either embrace the chaos of the convention or refrain from commenting altogether. If you’re comfortable forgoing the experience, that’s fine, but don’t expect to ride along on the coattails of those actively participating.
Imagine the thrill of an electric moped that can transform into a quadcopter, but only if you manually adjust the propellers and arms. The base model boasts a flight time of approximately 25 minutes, which raises safety concerns. Although the manufacturer touts multiple safety features, a parachute is included as a backup. While the concept of air taxis and hybrid aerial vehicles is exciting, this particular offering raises more questions than confidence. If you possess the adventurous spirit necessary to test this device, we’d love to hear your experience—just be cautious!
Not every computer component needs to focus solely on enhancing framerates, and MSI demonstrated this brilliantly with their innovative CPU cooler, which includes a miniature turntable. You might wonder about its purpose, but one look at the joyful little dragon perched atop it reveals the charm. This whimsical design invites users to personalize their setups with something that brings joy. Unfortunately, this water block is merely a concept at this time, with no plans for it to hit the market, leaving enthusiasts disappointed.
In a surprising turn of events, a tie emerged in this category due to the outrageous decisions made by both Dell and Lenovo. Dell’s rebranding initiative is generally well-received, as most consumers do not have a strong attachment to product lines like Latitude, Inspiron, and Optiplex. However, the decision to discontinue the iconic XPS branding, which has held significant meaning for many, seems excessive. Meanwhile, Lenovo’s attempt to capture the attention of younger audiences led to the creation of a ThinkPad devoid of any carbon fiber or the beloved TrackPoint nub—a move that many long-time users find sacrilegious. While younger generations may not mind this change, it has undoubtedly disappointed nostalgic tech enthusiasts.
Brandon Fletcher
