From robotic ‘girlfriends’ to AI lipstick: The weirdest and most fantastic tech of 2025

From main leaps in synthetic intelligence (AI) to fast progress in robotics and next-gen {hardware}, 2025 has been a yr outlined by formidable and generally surprising technological progress.

Yet a number of the most memorable improvements weren’t the headline-grabbing main breakthroughs, however the quirky aspect initiatives that confirmed simply how inventive the tech world may be.

Below, we have a look again at a number of the most uncommon and fantastic creations of the yr – from pet companion robots and AI-assisted lipstick applicators to a cellphone case which burns like human pores and skin.

NEO: The humanoid robotic that may clear, dance, and discover your keys

The robots we as soon as imagined as distant-future fantasy are all of the sudden edging into actuality – and one of the vital superior but is NEO.

Unveiled this yr because the world’s first really consumer-ready humanoid residence assistant, NEO can fold laundry, organise cabinets, and maintain your own home so as.

Created by 1X Home Robots, it responds to verbal or guide instructions through an app and learns your preferences by way of its built-in giant language mannequin (LLM).

With WiFi, Bluetooth, and a three-stage speaker on board, it additionally doubles as a strolling leisure system.

Woofwoof Lux: The AI dog-washing machine

Bath time obtained a bit of extra futuristic in 2025.

One firm developed an AI-powered dog-washing pod that provides customised wash modes primarily based in your canine’s breed and coat kind.

The Woofwoof Lux makes use of light water jets and pet-safe shampoos to provide pups a radical clear with out the stress.

While the machine isn’t but that can be purchased, you may deal with your canine to an AI-powered wash with the Woofwoof Lux at Paws 48, a canine health club and grooming spot within the United States.

Mirumi: The wearable, bag-clinging bab-bot

Step apart, Labubus!

Yukai Engineering – the crew behind the headless robotic cat cushion Qoobo – returned this yr with Mirumi, a fluffy and surprisingly lovable clip-on companion.

With sensors and googly eyes, they flip inquisitively towards objects and other people, however shyly duck away when startled or touched.

They’re designed to wrap their arms round straps, bag handles and all kinds of on a regular basis objects, like a tiny, bashful hitchhiker.

The shy little creatures are presently deliberate for common launch in April 2026.

Ropet: The sensor-packed robotic pet

If a Mirumi is not sufficient, perhaps look to get your hand on a Ropet – a barely extra superior handheld robotic companion that listens, remembers faces, and understands hand gestures.

It vibrates warmly whenever you pet it and even modifications eye colors to match equipment like tiny crowns.

Designed for cuddles and low-maintenance enjoyable, Ropet by no means wants feeding – but it surely’s all the time glad for a little bit of consideration.

Skincase: A cellphone case that sunburns

Yes, you’re studying appropriately.

Skincase is a silicone cellphone case engineered to imitate the feel, tone, and wrinkles of actual human pores and skin.

Created by researcher Marc Teyssier with Virgin Media O2, it really modifications color –like a sunburn – when uncovered to UV gentle, reminding you to use sunscreen all through the day.

Realbotix: The customisable robotic ‘girlfriend’

American firm Realbotix unveiled its newest humanoid robotic, Aria – a “companion” designed to supply emotional connection relatively than bodily intimacy.

The mannequin boasts “Advanced Body Mobility,” advanced eye monitoring, object recognition, and the power to combine third-party AI like ChatGPT. It will also be customised nearly endlessly, with modular components that customers can swap out to construct their ideally suited companion.

The robotic is available in completely different value factors. The one and not using a physique and only a head and torso begins at $10,000 (€9,700), one other that “comes apart like Lego” for journey prices $150,000 (€147,000), and an AI-powered robotic with a full physique that may transfer round begins at $175,000 (€170,000).

Though pitched as a possible associate – romantic or in any other case – Realbotix says Aria is supposed for emotional help and human-facing roles, not bodily intimacy.

Asked if the robotic was a intercourse robotic, CEO Andrew Kiguel informed Euronews Next it was not and that you’d be electrocuted for those who tried.

Spicerr: The first AI-powered spice dispenser

Ever end up dumping half the spice rack in your dinner and immediately regretting it on the primary chew?

Well, a brand new meals tech gadget known as Spicerr makes use of AI to detect precisely how a lot spice you would want for a recipe and dispenses it from capsules – that means no want for spoons and spice pots.

According to the producer, it “adapts spices and recipes to your favourite flavours to create a personalised cooking experience.”

Smart Lipstick: Hands-free lipstick utility

Ever wished your lipstick may simply… apply itself, particularly on these mornings when your fingers are shaking after you have downed one too many espressos?

Grupo Boticário’s Smart Lipstick prototype takes that concept and runs with it.

It makes use of AI, pc imaginative and prescient and a tiny robotic arm to map your lips and paint them completely – all in about two minutes.

Check out the video within the internet participant above to see these quirky gadgets in motion.