Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Smart Home
  3. Evergreens

Weird smart home gadgets of CES 2020: Toilet paper robots and more

Add as a preferred source on Google

The biggest consumer electronics show in the world is here and when it comes to weird smart home gadgets, CES 2020 hasn’t disappointed. So far, we’ve seen a robot that will make cleaning up after a toilet session easier, a robot cook named Julia and a headless cat snuggle pillow. Here’s a roundup of all the weirdest stuff we’ve seen. Also, be sure to check out all our CES 2020 coverage live from Las Vegas.

Charmin’s RollBot and V.I. Pee

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There’s probably been at least one time in your life when you were on the toilet and ran out of toilet paper. Instead of doing the dirty shuffle to grab a roll from the linen closet, praying that no one sees you with your pants down, Charmin’s new RollBot can retrieve the roll for you. You connect to the bot with a Bluetooth connection, then summon the TP butler with your phone (yeah, Charmin knows you’re already sitting there with your phone).

Recommended Videos

Speaking of your phone, Charmin also wants to keep you entertained while you’re on the porcelain throne. With V.I. Pee you can have a full A.I. experience while you go using an Oculus Rift S VR Helmet.

Sauce Slider

Have you ever wanted to move a dollop of ketchup from one plate to another without making a mess? The makers of Sauce Slider apparently have. The device can move sauces from one area to another without messing up the shape of the sauce.

Julia the kitchen robot

CookingPal Julia System
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve ever seen The Jetsons, you’ve probably have dreamt of having a robot that can cook and clean for you. Well, Julia comes close. This robot by CookingPal can weigh food with a built-in scale, chop, mix or blend, emulsify, grate, boil, knead, and steam. Then, when it’s done, it can even wash itself.

Petit Qoobo

This is a weird invention with a cool idea behind it. The Petit Qoobo by Yukai Engineering is a headless cat robot that is soft, squeezable and it even purrs. It was created to be a comforting hugging companion for those that can’t have pets, such as those in nursing homes or care facilities.

Bocco Emo

Bocco Emo on a table
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Bocco Emo, also brought to you by Yukai Engineering, is basically basically an Echo Dot that’s meant to be a friend and companion. Instead of Alexa, you get a little snowman robot named Bocco. It can send voice and text messages to your friends, tell you the weather, control smart devices and talk to you like an old buddy.

Lumi

Lumi by pampers app
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lumi by Pampers Connected Care System is a baby monitoring system that includes a sensor that attaches to an infant’s diaper and works in conjunction with a smart camera to track sleeping habits. It also alerts parents when the diaper has been soiled. Adding a button to your baby’s diaper seems strange, but if it helps keep them safe, it’s worth it.

Follow our live blog for more CES news and announcements.

Alina Bradford
Alina Bradford has been a tech, lifestyle and science writer for more than 20 years. Her work is read by millions each month…
Top Smart Home Upgrades Worth Making Before Your Summer Break
From outdoor monitoring to smarter front-door security, these EZVIZ devices combine smart protection with daily convenience
Person, Security, Electronics

Summer often brings a welcome change of routine for homeowners across Europe. Family holidays, weekend getaways, and longer days spent outdoors mean more time away and fewer opportunities to stay connected to what's happening back at the property. While it's a season for slowing down and enjoying the warmer months, everyday responsibilities don't simply pause. Deliveries still arrive, visitors may stop by unexpectedly, and trusted family members, cleaners, or pet sitters may occasionally need access while you're away.

Modern smart home technology makes those situations easier to manage. Today's connected devices can do far more than record footage or send motion alerts. They can help homeowners monitor outdoor spaces around the clock, stay informed about important activity, communicate with visitors remotely, and manage entry without needing to be physically present. Instead of constantly checking in or wondering whether everything is running smoothly back home, the right setup can provide greater visibility, convenience, and peace of mind throughout the season.

Read more
EZVIZ Sets a New Benchmark for Battery Powered Home Surveillance
Because every property deserves protection without compromise
Person, Security, Tape

Battery-powered smart cameras have become one of the fastest-growing categories in home monitoring. Once valued primarily for their seamless installation, today's models combine advanced visual technology, AI-powered intelligence, and dependable long-term performance that rivals many traditional wired systems. As innovations such as Always On Video 2.0 and solar charging continue to improve everyday usability, battery cameras are becoming the preferred choice for homeowners seeking flexible, comprehensive outdoor protection.

This shift has also raised expectations. Modern users want more than clear video. They expect smart detection, reliable monitoring, seamless smart home integration, and solutions that adapt to different property sizes and lifestyles. As one of the world's leading smart home camera brands, EZVIZ has responded by building one of the industry's most comprehensive portfolios of battery-powered cameras. The lineup is designed to serve every living situation, whether for renters or owners of apartments, condominiums, or villas. From accessible options for everyday monitoring to advanced multi-lens systems for larger and more demanding environments, the portfolio reflects a strong focus on innovation, user-centric design, and real-world needs.

Read more
Beatbot AquaSense X review: The pool cleaner for those that want to be pampered
It's a nothing short of a self-cleaning nirvana for your pool. But as they say, nothing fine comes without a fittingly handsome fee.
Beatbot Aquasense X robot, AstroRinse station and iSkim

view at amazon

Quick take: 

Read more