This year's Consumer Electronics Show, CES 2026, has put a spotlight on a fascinating new trend in technology. The event showcased a growing category of deeply personal tech that explores intimacy as the next big frontier for innovation. From helpful household robots to AI-powered pets and conversational sex-tech, these gadgets reveal an industry increasingly willing to dive into personal and emotional connections.
Robots That Climb and Clean
Robot vacuum companies continue to lead the way with innovative designs. Chinese appliance maker Dreame introduced the Cyber X robot, a machine with slightly terrifying legs designed for climbing stairs. The legs feature rubber treads that allow the robot to navigate multi-story buildings all on its own.
The Cyber X can climb stairs up to 9.8 inches high and handle slopes as steep as 42 degrees. It manages both straight and curved stairs with ease. Dreame claims the robot can climb a full flight of steps in just 27 seconds, though the exact number of steps wasn't specified.
Switchbot's Helpful Humanoid
Another standout in the household robot category is Switchbot's Onero H1 humanoid robot. This intriguing helper features a wheeled base and articulated arms, enabling it to perform everyday tasks like picking up clothing from a couch or bed and placing it in a washing machine.
Powered by RealSense cameras and various sensors, the Onero H1 can detect and learn about its surroundings. On-device AI models assist in this learning process. While not a high-speed robot, its practical functionality makes it a promising addition to home automation. The Onero H1 is set to go on sale later this year, unlike many other prototypes displayed at the show.
AI Companions and Virtual Pets
Takway has entered the AI companion space with Sweekar, a virtual pet designed to travel with you and develop a unique personality over time. The company aims to become the "Nintendo of the AI robot era" with this palm-sized, egg-shaped device that features ears and a screen on its face.
Similar to classic virtual pets like Tamagotchi, users must feed, play with, and care for Sweekar to keep it happy and healthy. Its mood and facial expressions depend entirely on how well you look after it. The device goes through a two-day incubation period with high-frequency care and basic language learning, followed by teen years with greater intelligence, and finally adulthood where it can care for itself autonomously.
Once Sweekar reaches Level 51, it becomes unkillable unless the hardware fails, offering a long-term companion experience.
Intimate Technology Innovations
Sex toy maker Lovense debuted Emily, an AI-powered companion doll that combines physical intimacy with conversational intelligence. Emily features a realistic silicone exterior, a fully posable internal skeleton, and limited facial movement including mouth motion for more expressive interactions.
For Lovense, the focus isn't just on the hardware but on the emotional software. Emily's AI can accumulate information over time and use it in future conversations, creating a more personalized experience.
Gaming and Pleasure Gadgets
Razer's Project Ava has transformed from a gaming performance monitor into an anime girl named Kira trapped in a cylinder speaker. Originally designed to provide real-time feedback and coaching for gamers, the 2026 version features suggestive and flirty undertones with five different "companions" available for interaction.
OhDoki introduced the Handy 2 and Handy 2 Pro, smart stroking devices that received significant upgrades. The Pro model boasts a battery life extended to 5 hours and features an "overclocked" Turbo mode. Interestingly, the device can also be used to charge other USB-C devices.
Medical-Grade Intimate Tech
MOR, formerly known as the taint bandaid from 2020, has obtained FDA clearance as an app-enabled, drug-free wearable skin patch. Designed to improve sexual performance, the patch contains elements that interfere with nerve signals from the penis to the brain when activated.
During development, creators discovered an unexpected benefit: MOR can now intensify ejaculations. The device includes a rechargeable and reusable "pulse generator" that powers the system and can last up to two years. With Bluetooth connectivity, users simply place the patch, slot in the pulse generator, and use the app to choose between two modes: delay ejaculation or intensify it.
CES 2026 demonstrates how technology is moving beyond mere functionality to address deeper human needs for connection, companionship, and intimacy. These innovations suggest we're entering an era where our gadgets understand not just our commands, but our emotions and relationships too.
