CES 2025: Mirumi is a cute, clip-on robot designed to amuse bystanders

CES 2025 is just around the corner, and the tech world is already buzzing with excitement as companies tease their latest innovations. Among the wave of groundbreaking announcements, YuKai Engineering Inc. has once again stolen the spotlight with what they do best – introducing another wonderfully weird, furry robot to their lineup.

True to their reputation for pushing the boundaries between cute and quirky, their latest creation might just charm everyone on the show floor this year. Christened Mirumi, the new, clip-on furball can clip onto your handbag and entertain kids as well as bystanders around you. Here’s everything you need to know:

What is Mirumi, and what can it do?

At a glance, Mirumi will look like a regular stuffed animal. In fact, you may have even seen similar, smaller clip-on versions on purses and bags. But YuKai Engineering’s new debutant can do a lot more than adorn your handbag.

For one, it comes with sensors that allow it to turn its head towards bystanders. These sensors can additionally detect motion and create a series of emotive responses. Mirumi can also react like a baby around different elements near you, such as friends, strangers or unknown objects.

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If and when it detects a person nearby, Mirumi will turn its head to look at them. It can even mimic shyness and hide its head as an extended reaction. But the furball isn’t always in a good mood! When annoyed, Mirumi will display its displeasure by shaking its head back and forth. So far, the company has not disclosed details about its battery life and charging time.

Can you bring Mirumi home?

For now, YuKai Engineering has not commented or revealed the price for the clip-on robot. The company, however, is planning to bring the furry friend to global markets sometime mid 2025. Mirumi will be available in pink and grey fur options and is expected to cost between $70 (roughly Rs 6,000) to $150 (roughly Rs 13,000), keeping its previous additions in mind. That said, it is best to take this with a pinch of salt and wait for an official announcement from the makers.

YuKai Engineering has built quite a reputation for creating unique robotic companions. The company introduced the Fufuly Cushion at CES 2023, following the success of Qoobo – their pillow-shaped robot featuring a responsive wagging tail.

While AI pets might raise some eyebrows, these mechanical companions have found their niche by being cute, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional pets. With the positive reception these robots have received, the companion robotics market could be poised for growth, though we’ll have to wait and see what innovations lie ahead.