CES (formerly Consumer Electronics Show) is THE the biggest technology convention of the year. This helps set the stage for all the wonderful gadgets we’ll see over the next 12 months. However, among all the quadcopters, questionable robots, and devices with fancy flexible displays, there are many little things that help make CES a one-of-a-kind event. To highlight some of the silly, stupid, and sometimes wholesome things we encountered at the show this year, we humbly present the very unofficial Dumb Fun Awards for CES 2025.
The cutest excavator – Komatsu PC01E-2
Komatsu’s PC01E-2 looks like a kid’s playground toy, except it actually works and it’s really cute. You almost want to reach over and pinch that little bucket until it turns pink. But it’s not all fun and games, as this little excavator is meant to help dig things out, even in tight spaces. In fact, it’s small enough to fit in most elevators, so if you find yourself in a situation where you need to dig, such as on the roof, Komatsu has you covered.
This is probably vaporware – FX Super One
We generally try to be optimistic about new technologies. But since Faraday Future announced its first concept car in 2016the company made fewer than 20 cars in total. And for the massive success of producing less than two dozen vehicles, Faraday Future founder and CEO went to give himself raises. Currently at CES 2025, the company is trying to make a comeback with its new FX line of electric vehicles, except it hasn’t even bothered to paint them. This special camouflage used by automobile manufacturers is generally intended to hide the design of a vehicle. Before it’s announced, not as a half-finished product at its own press event. That said, saying it’s 50% done is probably way too generous. So while there’s always a chance that a company will turn things around, don’t be surprised if you never see an FX Super One on the road.
If you ever need someone to sacrifice their sartorial elegance for a story, this is your man. And yet, even with a messy photovoltaic-equipped head ornament, there’s no doubt that he’s the dapper Dan.
Everyone is always worried about when our robot overlords will come to conquer us. Except it’s humans who should probably worry us the most. Indeed, during a demonstration of Unitree’s robot, its homo sapien operator searched the controller, leading the robot to attack our own Karissa Bell. Human or robot, this is simply not acceptable.
The most adorable – Mirumi
Originally this list was meant to highlight cool things we saw at CES that didn’t get much praise (or hate) elsewhere, but then the Mirumi went and won an award. But I don’t care. This robot is designed to do one thing: hold your arm and look at things kindly while you walk around. It’s basically a ball with eyes and undeniable grip. And I will protect and cherish it with my life.
Listen, taking care of your skin is important. After all, it’s the largest organ in your body! But if traditional moisturizers, creams, and exfoliants aren’t enough for you, I’m not convinced Shark’s anti-red light mask is the answer. If I’m at home and my partner comes out of the bathroom looking like damn Doctor Doom, I don’t go to bed. I run to the door and call Reed Richards for help.
Coldest Stand: AARP
AARP describes itself as “the nation’s largest nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.” So instead of encouraging people to move from booth to booth while checking out all the new gadgets at CES, AARP decided to install a full pickleball court right on the show floor. Naturally, attendees young and old approached the net and causally hit balls, with everyone seeming to be having a relaxing time in the middle of the biggest tech convention of the year. Good to you all.
Company with the most FOMO – jackrabbit
Las Vegas is an affront to Mother Nature. It’s an inaccessible city in the middle of the desert, filled with all kinds of temptations and enough neon lighting to melt your brain. So when a company doesn’t want to fly to CES, we understand. But that doesn’t mean you can try to muscle your way into the spotlight by emailing pitches about how you’re “perfect for CES, but smart enough to ignore it.” Either you stop sitting and suffering with us, or you shut up. So hey Jackrabbit, you say it’s okay not to be at CES. It’s cool, we feel the same way.
You know what seems safe? An electric moped that transforms into a quadcopter, but only if you position the propellers and arms yourself. The base model also only has about 25 minutes of flight time. Although the company says there are a number of safety features, there is also a built-in parachute. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we can’t have air taxis and other hybrid air vehicles. But this thing doesn’t inspire confidence. However, if you have more courage and common sense, give it a try and let us know how it goes.
Not every computer component needs to deliver higher frame rates and MSI proved that this year by making a CPU cooler with a built-in turntable. What’s the point, you ask? Well, look at this happy little dragon sitting atop his throne. Look at him. But really, you can put anything in there that makes you happy. The only sad thing is that this water block is just a concept and MSI has no real plans to release it for sale. What a disappointment.
We couldn’t decide which was more outrageous, so we ended up tied in that category. For Dell, its new unified brand image is largely satisfactory. After all, no one really cares about lines like Latitude, Inspiron, and Optiplex. But removing the XPS name, which is the only Dell sub-brand that has really meant anything, is a step too far.
Meanwhile, in an effort to appeal to younger buyers who might not have an affinity for its classic black laptops, Lenovo has made a ThinkPad without carbon fiber or a Trackpoint core. This is downright sacrilegious. Granted, if you’re under 50 you might not care, but any nerd who grew up with rotary phones is probably pissed.
Most Exciting Stand: Practical
CES is home to all kinds of sex tech, but even among all the vibrators and various toys, the Handy booth managed to be more exciting than the rest. Indeed, in addition to displaying a selection of naughty gadgets, the company invited guests to queue up to spin a wheel for the chance to win their own prize. And if people who eagerly await the opportunity to remove a pleasure device so they can let off some steam aren’t excited, I don’t know what is. Maybe you’ll keep it in your pants until you get home.
