Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering has debuted a portable cat-shaped robot that blows air to cool down hot food and beverages at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Named Nékojita FuFu, the robot is aimed at people with heat-sensitive tongues, a condition that an online survey in Japan revealed affects nearly 47 per cent of its population.
The robot derives its name from the Japanese term néko-jita meaning cat tongue – a phrase used to describe people who have a low tolerance for hot food.
The second part of the name, FuFu, is an onomatopoeic representation of the sound made when blowing air to cool down food.
Nékojita FuFu operates with an internal fan unit powered by a rechargeable battery and uses a specially developed algorithm, the "Fu-ing System", to mimic human breath.
Switching between various blowing modes, such as the full-force "I've Got This!" and gentler "Not Gonna Spill" modes, the robot randomises its blowing strength and rhythm to ensure a personalised cooling experience while effectively reducing temperatures.
Unlike traditional heat-reducing mugs, the robot is a standalone device that can be attached to any dishware with a straight edge, making it versatile and compatible with various bowls, cups and mugs.
It can cool hot water from 88 to 71 degrees Celsius in three minutes and to 66 degrees Celsius in five minutes.
Created during Yukai Engineering's 2024 internal Make-a-Thon, Nékojita FuFu was inspired by a personal story from the company's chief marketing officer Tsubasa Tominaga.
Tominaga identified the need for the product while recalling his struggle with cooling hot baby food for his son, which often left him breathless and dizzy.
"We created Nékojita FuFu as a little personal meal partner, so you can solve your 'néko-jita' problem anywhere, anytime," said Tominaga.
"The robot doesn't just help you enjoy hot coffee. It can make it easier for seniors to down hot soup and reduce parents' chores by helping kids eat with less help."
The company plans to launch Nékojita FuFu in Japan in mid-2025 following a crowdfunding campaign.
Yukai Engineering is a Tokyo-based startup known for its innovative robot designs. The company has received several awards, including the CES 2023 Innovation Award for its BOCCO emo Platform, which enables Japan's utility companies and businesses to provide smart living services.
Other recent robotics featured on Dezeen include a pair of walking chairs by Brooklyn artist Michael Candy and a "friendly" robot for domestic and commercial environments by Fuseproject.
The photography is courtesy of Yukai Engineering.
CES 2025 takes place at various locations in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January 2025. See Dezeen Events Guide for an up-to-date list of architecture and design events taking place around the world.
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