Cyber-pets, 3D printed shoes, and autonomous mobility devices on display at CES

Category: Technology/Innovations

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. longevity / lɒnˈdʒɛv ɪ ti / (n.) – the length of time that someone or something lives or lasts
    Example:

    Companies focus on the longevity of their devices to reduce electronic waste.


  2. wearable / ˈwɛər ə bəl / (n.) – a small electronic device that a person can wear on their body, often used to track information or connect to other technology
    Example:

    Wearables like smartwatches can help people monitor their health.


  3. furry / ˈfɜr i / (adj.) – covered with fur or hair
    Example:

    The child hugged his furry teddy bear.


  4. rigid / ˈrɪdʒ ɪd / (adj.) – stiff and hard, not able to bend or change shape easily
    Example:

    The box is made of rigid plastic to protect the items inside.


  5. attendee / ə tɛnˈdi / (n.) – a person who is present at an event, meeting, or activity
    Example:

    The attendees shared their ideas during the group discussion.


Article

Read the text below.

Crowds flooded the freshly opened showroom floors on Day 2 of the CES and were met by thousands of robots, AI companions, assistants, health longevity tech, wearables, and more.


Allergic to dogs or cats but still dreaming of a furry companion? Chinese tech brand Ollobot may have an answer in its new “cyber-pet,” OlloNi, which debuted at the show. The company says the furry AI robot on wheels is meant to be a warm and expressive alternative to the rigid humanoid home robot.


A screen mounted at the robot’s neck acts as its face, allowing it to make eye contact with humans and respond with thousands of dynamic expressions designed to mirror human emotion and interaction, according to the company.


Volunteers at Ollobot’s booth got a reaction when they scratched behind the purple robot’s ‘ears’ and its ‘eyes’ instantly widened, like it was thrilled.


Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride—that’s exactly what some conference attendees did at Strutt’s booth.


Curious volunteers sat blindfolded in the robotics company’s new self-driving personal mobility chair called the EV1, which senses its surroundings and navigates on its own. With the push of a button and a forward lever, the chair guided riders through a small course, looping them around without requiring any active control.


Tony Hong, CEO and founder of the Singapore-based Strutt, told The Associated Press that the chair has a full suite of sensors that helps it avoid bumps, walls, people, and other obstacles, adjusting in real-time as it drives.


In the Nexbie booth, the company is hoping their 3D printed shoes will be a hit with customers seeking comfort, breathability, and a unique style. A mesh-like web of a special plastic forms the entire shoe from sole to uppers in a uniform construction. The brand has adapted the technology into a variety of styles, from leisure to athletic, in a variety of colors.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The CES showcase demonstrated how familiar items—like pets, chairs, and shoes—are being redesigned with AI and robotics to create new experiences. Does adding AI or robotics to pets or objects sometimes make them worse instead of better? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How much time do you usually need to adapt to tech enhanced objects? Do you like using tech enhanced objects? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Which of the featured technologies in the article are you most interested in: furry AI pets, self-driving mobility chair, or 3D-printed shoes? Discuss.
  • If you can develop a technology to be showcased at CES, what would it be? What will be its features? Discuss.