January 2025 has introduced a multitude of intriguing robotic designs that are set to transform our daily lives. From adorable companions that evoke a smile to functional machines that redefine personal and home assistance, the innovation in robotic technology this year has been both inspiring and impressive. We have curated a collection of ten robotic designs that promise to enhance productivity, offer delightful companionship, and much more.

These exceptional robotic designs represent the fascinating potential of technology to transform and enrich our lives. As we embrace these innovations, we step further into a future where robotics becomes seamlessly integrated into everyday tasks, offering convenience and enhancing experiences.

1. Una

Una is a humanoid robot, that heralds a new era in service delivery across various sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and customer support. Unveiled at the LEAP Tech Conference, Una is crafted with sensors and actuators that ensure precise navigation in complex environments, making her adept at enhancing client interactions with empathy and efficiency. Her design is the culmination of in-depth research into human psychology and robotics, aiming to foster intuitive human-robot collaborations.

Her design reflects a deep understanding of human psychology, aiming to create a seamless and intuitive partnership between humans and machines. Una’s role expands beyond mere function – she’s engineered to deliver service with warmth and precision, making her an invaluable asset in settings from corporate offices to interactive retail spaces.

What we like

• Terraformed for a wide range of service applications, Una enhances operational efficiency.
• Empathetic interactions improve user satisfaction in client-facing roles.

What we dislike

• Sophisticated design may lead to higher operational costs.
• Limited to industries where human interaction precision is crucial.

2. Mi-Mo

Mi-Mo, a creation of the inventive minds at Japanese robotics company Jizai, is a revolutionary addition to the world of robotics. The design is reminiscent of a mid-century modern table fused with elements of Toy Story’s mutant toys or even a nod to WALL-E. It is both enchanting and functional.

Mounted on six sleek metal legs with wood caps, Mi-Mo moves with a gentle wave, captivating onlookers with its adorable presence. This AI-powered robot is touted as the world’s first “customizable General-Purpose AI robot”. With capabilities enhanced by various AI models, Mi-Mo can think, act, and adapt using a combination of visual, audio, and movement cues.

What we like

• Customizable AI models allow Mi-Mo to adapt and expand its functionality according to user needs.
• The enchanting furniture-like design fits seamlessly into home decor.

What we dislike

• Future hardware add-ons may significantly increase the overall cost.
• Initial setup requires programming knowledge to fully optimize its capabilities.

3. Mirumi

Mirumi was unveiled at CES 2025 and captures hearts with its plush-like, endearing presence. This cuddly robot is designed to spark joy and evoke the wonder of an infant with its state-of-the-art sensors that enable it to detect nearby people. While it’s curious, Mirumi is also delightfully shy, retracting its attention when approached.

The robot is unable to navigate independently, but it possesses emotional interactions such as nodding ‘no’, and conjuring a distinctive bond with users. Mirumi’s design includes long arms that cling to backpack straps, making it an adorable travel companion.

What we like

• Its engaging personality and emotional responses provide a unique interactive experience.
• The portable design allows users to carry Mirumi wherever they go.

What we dislike

• Limited mobility could restrict engagement and interaction.
• Shy nature might not appeal to users seeking more dynamic robotic interaction.

4. Pomodoro Bot

Designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, the Pomodoro Bot is a productivity tool inspired by the Pomodoro Technique. It features a compact, 3D-printed design, and this robot integrates a Raspberry Pi, display, and sensors in its build. By pressing its adorable button, users activate a 25-minute countdown, facilitating focused work sessions.

Beyond its primary function, its computer-based system allows for further customizations, incorporating more productivity tools as needed. It offers the potential for a myriad of applications due to its underlying computing power. This bot is more than just a timer – it’s a desktop companion that nudges you toward productivity.

What we like

• Simple, DIY construction makes it accessible to hobbyists and tech enthusiasts.
• Encourages productivity through the tried-and-tested Pomodoro Technique.

What we dislike

• Limited functionality primarily focuses on time management.
• DIY aspect requires 3D printing and soldering skills.

5. Samsung Ballie

Redefining what it means to have a smart home assistant, Samsung’s Ballie is a leap forward in home automation. With its debut, Ballie surprised audiences with its ability to move seamlessly around the home, providing dynamic and personalized assistance. Unlike traditional stationary devices, Ballie is fully mobile—its bright yellow spherical design is reminiscent of a friendly tennis ball.

It is equipped with a gyroscopic stabilization system and integrated LiDAR sensors, and navigates environments efficiently and with ease, mapping its surroundings to avoid obstacles and engage meaningfully with its users. Ballie’s appeal extends beyond mere functionality, promising an engaging, almost companion-like presence within a home.

What we like

• Mobile design allows Ballie to assist dynamically within a household.
• The user-friendly aesthetic encourages comfort and approachability.

What we dislike

• Mobility could be limited by battery life, impacting continuous use.
• Requires extensive mapping for optimal functionality in complex homes.

6. EV.BUDDY

In the ever-progressing world of electric vehicles, EV.BUDDY presents an ingenious solution for wireless charging. Recognized with a Red Dot Award for its concept, EV.BUDDY combines sleek design with practical utility, operating autonomously to charge EVs without driver intervention. This minimalist robot is slim and agile, with the capability to slide beneath an EV and initiate wireless charging by aligning its coils with the car’s underside.

It eradicates common charging hassles, offering a hands-free solution that could transform how we think about powering electric vehicles. It is currently a concept, but EV.BUDDY gives a promising glimpse into a future where technology and convenience converge in functional design, promising to streamline electric vehicle ownership considerably.

What we like

• Eliminates the need for driver involvement in charging, enhancing convenience.
• Concept design promises future adaptability in public and private settings.

What we dislike

• Battery capacity concerns due to the slim design could limit operational effectiveness.
• Only a concept currently, full-scale deployment might take time.

7. movr

Breaking conventional norms of what a delivery robot can achieve, movr carries the ability to revolutionize urban transport and logistics. movr offers multifunctionality,  shifting between package delivery and personal mobility. At first glance, the design resembles a mobile trash can with three wheels, but it holds a complex array of capabilities.

The compartmental features allow movr to securely transport small items, managed through a dedicated app for seamless service. But, movr’s USP lies in its ability to transform into a personal transport device, accommodating a single passenger atop its mobile frame. Herein, movr acts not just as a carrier, but as a genuine helper for city-dwellers, innovatively addressing urban commuting needs.

What we like

• Multifunctionality enhances utility, suitable for diverse urban environments.
• App integration offers convenient user interactions.

What we dislike

• Personal mobility conversion might not be suitable for longer journeys.
• Size may limit carrying capacity for larger packages.

8. Space Vacuum

Say hello to the Space Vacuum – a brilliant example of innovation and creativity merging to transform an old cleaning robot into a sophisticated dog treat dispenser. This imaginative product emerges from the world of hacking ingenuity and DIY electronics, giving the classic Roomba a new purpose and identity.

It incorporates readily accessible hardware like an Arduino, and the Space Vacuum transitions from its original role of cleaning floors to a fun-filled mission of dispensing treats for your furry friend. Originally tasked with tidying up dirty floors, this reimagined device now aims to bring joy and delicious rewards to dogs as they explore their surroundings.

What we like

• Cleverly repurposes existing technology, making it sustainable and pet-friendly.
• Provides entertainment and mental stimulation for dogs with an automated reward system.

What we dislike

• Initial setup and modification may require some technical expertise.
• Could potentially create an additional mess if treats aren’t promptly eaten by pets.

9. SNIFF

Airports across the globe may soon witness a technological transformation with the introduction of SNIFF, an innovative robot designed to enhance security with precision and subtlety. Unlike traditional detection dogs, SNIFF doesn’t need to demonstrate complex movements. It focuses on detecting substances in high-traffic environments using state-of-the-art sensors and AI algorithms.

The design eschews anthropomorphic features, focusing instead on efficiency and reliability, making SNIFF an unobtrusive yet effective solution for security challenges. SNIFF leverages robotic technology and offers airports a new means of ensuring security without inviting undue attention or causing disruptions, quietly performing its job to maintain safety standards.

What we like

• Advanced sensors improve efficiency in substance detection.
• Designed to complement existing security practices without causing disruption.

What we dislike

• Lacks versatility for use outside high-traffic environments like airports.
• May face troubleshooting challenges due to the reliance on advanced AI.

10. fika

In a bold reimagining of the in-car experience, this self-driving vehicle model blends technology with hospitality by embedding a robotic barista right into its dashboard. The concept, aptly named fika, brings about a cultural and technology-driven twist to autonomous travel. It features a flexible arm that offers expertly brewed coffee, complete with a humanoid face interface on the steering wheel that greets passengers warmly.

fika transforms the typically passive and impersonal robotic vehicle journey into an interactive, engaging encounter. This addition satisfies cravings for convenient luxury but also provides a novel approach to companionable driving, engaging passengers with both service and interaction during extended travels.

What we like

• Enhances user experience by providing personal beverage service.
• The robot interface creates a more engaging atmosphere within the vehicle.

What we dislike

• Potential distraction for drivers who need to focus on the road.
• The novelty could wear off, returning to more practical transportation needs.