CES 2026 has been filled with significant announcements — breakthroughs in AI chip technology, major product launches, and beyond — yet the Vegas tech convention is also a hub for eccentric technology.
At Mashable, we embrace quirky tech and strange gadgets, and CES 2026 has undoubtedly provided plenty. Our team is present in Vegas investigating all the oddities found on the showroom floor — here are six of the most unusual and entertaining items we’ve discovered.
Musical teeth
Wondering about your music preferences? The Lollipop Star helps you find out. This gadget transmits music through your teeth using bone conduction, while you indulge in a sugary treat. The company sells $9 lollipops that deliver tunes directly to your inner ear.
For less than ten dollars, you can buy your favorite track along with a novelty snack. Quite a bargain.
Brain-monitoring headphones
Neurable displayed headphones at CES that evaluate your cognitive speed. This is especially advantageous for gamers wishing to track their reaction times and mental functions. The company has created a system to boost focus. Mashable’s Chance Townsend tried it out and found it quite remarkable.
“The sensation afterward was quite enjoyable, all things considered,” Townsend stated. “Everything on screen seemed a bit slower, but I was responding more swiftly.”
Headphones that convert into speakers
New audio brand TDM unveiled headphones at CES 2026 that can switch into a speaker. This ingenious design allows you to transition from private listening to sharing with just a simple twist.
A vibrating chef’s knife
Mashable’s Haley Henschel experimented with Seattle Ultrasonics’ C-200 UltraSonic Chef’s Knife, which vibrates to enable easier cutting. Though the vibrations are nearly imperceptible, they help in slicing more effectively.
Henschel noted:
“I had no issue cutting paper-thin slices of tomato with a gentle touch. Seattle Ultrasonics’ representative compared it to riding a bike versus pedaling an e-bike in that it makes the experience more effortless.”
The $399 knife could be advantageous for home cooks, particularly those with disabilities or physical constraints.
Panda companion robots
Mind With Heart Robotics revealed its AI-enabled panda An’An, crafted to be an interactive companion for elderly individuals with cognitive challenges or children advancing their social skills.
The AI partner
Chinese company Lepro presented its Ami device at CES 2026, a desktop OLED screen featuring an AI “soulmate” for companionship. The Ami is promoted as an empathetic ally that connects with users on a more profound level.
Mashable’s Chance Townsend stated:
“Most AI companions today exist where everything else already resides: your phone, your browser, your notifications. They merge into the same infinite scroll that’s already wearing us out. Lepro Ami, in contrast, demands a specific spot on your desk. It doesn’t trail you everywhere. You must opt to keep it around.”
CES consistently showcases exceptional and quirky tech — 2026 was no different.
Interested in exploring more of the finest in unusual tech at CES 2026? The finalists for the Best of CES 2026 awards have been unveiled. Check out the nominees and discover when the winners will be revealed.
Explore the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest updates and live news from the largest tech event, where Mashable journalists are covering live.