Off-the-Wall Gadgets, Weird Ideas Abound at CES 2016

From eye massagers to levitating speakers, here’s a look at some of the most unusual, interesting gadgets to reach the show floor at CES 2016.

Who doesn’t want a levitating speaker? The CrazyBaby Mars is just that. When the speaker is turned on, a flying saucer-like component hovers above the rest of the device. It can levitate for up to six hours before automatically resting back on the shell for auto-charging. While it may be little more than a gimmick, CrazyBaby says the hovering speaker is a powerhouse and can deliver high-quality audio.

The makers of the CleverPet device say it will make your dog happier and maybe even smarter. The device comes with touch-pads that light up in different patterns. Once the dog learns a pattern and repeats it, CleverPet automatically dispenses a treat. The company argues that CleverPet is the best way to keep your dog active, assuming the animal will even pay attention to the device. And for good measure, it comes with an app so users can check their dogs’ progress.

At first blush, Kube is little more than an audio speaker that promises big sound. But it earns its spot in the offbeat list for its core component: a built-in cooler. The middle of the portable speaker opens to reveal “insulated storage” space for a favorite cold beverage. What’s not to like about a speaker that keeps a beer cold?

The Skulpt Chisel claims to be the “future of fitness.” In reality, it’s a device that connects to a smartphone and tells users how much muscle and fat they may have on their bodies. The device is rather simple: Users place its sensors against a muscle. From there, Chisel analyzes muscle composition and body fat to tell gym rats on which body parts they need more workout time.

Who doesn’t want to look younger? That’s what a company named Apira Science is asking at CES 2016. The company showed off a device called iDerma that uses LED-based light therapy to improve facial skin condition. Users will need to wear it like a mask three times a week, but iDerma promises to “minimize fine lines and wrinkles and diminish crow’s feet,” among other benefits.

BrainCo is developing a technology that it claims will use “electrical signatures” in the brain to turn on lights, communicate with someone else and more. In order to do so, users need only to think about what they want to do or say. Assuming the recipient has a receiver that can talk to those brainwaves, it’ll respond accordingly—or at least, that’s what BrainCo says.

There’s been much talk about autonomous vehicles at CES, but what about an autonomous drone? A company named Ehang has developed the electric-powered Ehang 184 drone that flies at low altitudes without requiring user input. Best of all, it’s big enough for a passenger, so it can fly manned or unmanned. But for now, it’s uncertain whether a pilotless drone with a passenger can ever fly under current U.S. aviation regulations.

Everyone needs to relax. That’s why Aurai has developed a technology that uses water to gently massage the eyes. Aurai is worn around the eyes and splashes water across the headset. The result is the owner’s choice of a cool or warm massage that can help with eyestrain, dark circles and, of course, dry eye.

The only big tech company to make it on this list is Sony. At CES, Sony showcased a USB turntable that can play vinyl records. While some may think vinyl is dead, Sony says its player has a real, useful function: It’s designed to be hooked up to a PC via a USB connector and capture in digital the full, lossless audio.

It’s not easy getting old, and Genworth wants everyone to know it. The company has created a suit called the Genworth R70i Aging Experience that uses sensors, software and other features to simulate the aging process. According to Genworth, the suit simulates vision and hearing impairments, muscle loss and other troubles of getting old. If nothing else, it’ll provide some insight into what the future looks like.