From major leaps in artificial intelligence (AI) to rapid growth in robotics and next-gen hardware, 2025 has been a year defined by ambitious and sometimes unexpected technological progress.

Yet some of the most memorable innovations weren’t the headline-grabbing major breakthroughs, but the quirky side projects that showed just how creative the tech world can be.

Below, we take a look back at some of the most unusual and wonderful creations of the year – from pet companion robots and AI-assisted lipstick applicators to a phone case which burns like human skin.

NEO: The humanoid robot that can clean, dance, and find your keys

The robots we once imagined as distant-future fantasy are suddenly edging into reality – and one of the most advanced yet is NEO.

Unveiled this year as the world’s first truly consumer-ready humanoid home assistant, NEO can fold laundry, organise shelves, and keep your home in order.

Created by 1X Home Robots, it responds to verbal or manual commands via an app and learns your preferences through its built-in large language model (LLM).

With WiFi, Bluetooth, and a three-stage speaker on board, it also doubles as a walking entertainment system.

Woofwoof Lux: The AI dog-washing machine

Bath time got a little more futuristic in 2025.

One company developed an AI-powered dog-washing pod that offers customised wash modes based on your dog’s breed and coat type.

The Woofwoof Lux uses gentle water jets and pet-safe shampoos to give pups a thorough clean without the stress.

While the machine isn’t yet available to buy, you can treat your dog to an AI-powered wash with the Woofwoof Lux at Paws 48, a dog gym and grooming spot in the United States.

Mirumi: The wearable, bag-clinging bab-bot

Step aside, Labubus!

Yukai Engineering – the team behind the headless robotic cat cushion Qoobo – returned this year with Mirumi, a fluffy and surprisingly adorable clip-on companion.

With sensors and googly eyes, they turn inquisitively toward objects and people, but shyly duck away when startled or touched.

They’re designed to wrap their arms around straps, bag handles and all sorts of everyday objects, like a tiny, bashful hitchhiker.

The shy little creatures are currently planned for general release in April 2026.

Ropet: The sensor-packed robot pet

If a Mirumi isn’t enough, maybe look to get your hand on a Ropet – a slightly more advanced handheld robot companion that listens, remembers faces, and understands hand gestures.

It vibrates warmly when you pet it and even changes eye colours to match accessories like tiny crowns.

Designed for cuddles and low-maintenance fun, Ropet never needs feeding – but it’s always happy for a bit of attention.

Skincase: A phone case that sunburns

Yes, you are reading correctly.

Skincase is a silicone phone case engineered to mimic the texture, tone, and wrinkles of real human skin.

Created by researcher Marc Teyssier with Virgin Media O2, it actually changes colour –like a sunburn – when exposed to UV light, reminding you to apply sunscreen throughout the day.

Realbotix: The customisable robot ‘girlfriend’

American company Realbotix unveiled its latest humanoid robot, Aria – a "companion" designed to offer emotional connection rather than physical intimacy.

The model boasts “Advanced Body Mobility," complex eye tracking, object recognition, and the ability to integrate third-party AI like ChatGPT. It can also be customised almost endlessly, with modular parts that users can swap out to build their ideal companion.

The robot comes in different price points. The one without a body and just a head and torso starts at $10,000 (€9,700), another that "comes apart like Lego" for travel costs $150,000 (€147,000), and an AI-powered robot with a full body that can move around starts at $175,000 (€170,000).

Though pitched as a potential partner – romantic or otherwise – Realbotix says Aria is meant for emotional support and human-facing roles, not physical intimacy.

Asked if the robot was a sex robot, CEO Andrew Kiguel told Euronews Next it was not and that you would be electrocuted if you tried.

Spicerr: The first AI-powered spice dispenser

Ever find yourself dumping half the spice rack on your dinner and instantly regretting it on the first bite?

Well, a new food tech gadget called Spicerr uses AI to detect exactly how much spice you would need for a recipe and dispenses it from capsules – meaning no need for spoons and spice pots.

According to the manufacturer, it "adapts spices and recipes to your favourite flavours to create a personalised cooking experience."

Smart Lipstick: Hands-free lipstick application

Ever wished your lipstick could just… apply itself, especially on those mornings when your hands are shaking after you’ve downed one too many espressos?

Grupo Boticário’s Smart Lipstick prototype takes that idea and runs with it.

It uses AI, computer vision and a tiny robotic arm to map your lips and paint them perfectly – all in about two minutes.

Check out the video in the web player above to see these quirky devices in action.