Japanese robot maker Groove X returns to CES to show off Lovot-- a lovable pint-sized robot designed to be a friend for the friendless, or simply an adorable companion, complete with soft and warm body.
Recently launched in Japan, the Lovot rolls around on wheels and has two flipper-like arms. At first glance it looks less sophisticated than more famous robot pets, such as the Sony Aibo, but Groove X says the Lovot is actually more advanced. According to the company, the Lovot carries no less than 50 on-board sensors and multiple CPUs, including one on-board the charging dock. The result is a robot able to learn room layouts and recognise faces, allowing it greet its owners when they come back home.
A study published in Science Advances on January 2020 describes technology using the same materials as standard lithium-ion batteries, only with redesigned sulphor cathodes able to accommodate higher stress without drops in overall capacity or performance. Interestingly, the design is inspired by a "unique bridging architecture" found in processing detergent powders, leading to a method to create bonds between particles to accommodate stress and deliver unprecedented levels of stability in a battery.
Legrand-owned smart home company Netatmo takes on connected security at CES 2020 with the imaginatively named Smart Door Lock and Keys-- a home security system replacing the regular key with an NFC-based Smart Key.
