CES Robots 2025: China's Fighting Machines Freak Out Tech Journalist

CES robots in 2025 crossed a line tech journalist Andy Baryer never expected. A humanoid robot from China throws a jab. Then a hook. Then an uppercut combination in two seconds flat. Then it does a drop kick and stands there taunting. These aren't cute demos anymore.

 

Baryer walks the show floor documenting AI-powered robots that detect strangers, chase intruders, and execute fighting moves programmed into open-source platforms. He divides them into Autobots (helpful beer-fetching robot dogs, museum surveillance units) and Decepticons (the ones that made him run when they started chasing him). One humanoid read his name badge and greeted him personally. Another looks like a Kardashian and is marketed as a "companionship robot."

 

Discover why this is the first CES where a veteran tech journalist felt genuine fear. Learn what open-source fighting robots mean when they fall into the wrong hands. Understand why China is dominating humanoid robotics and what that shift changes about future technology.

 

Robot Butler Arrives: LG's CLOi Folds Laundry and Loads Dishwashers

Robot butler technology reached the Jetsons level at CES 2025. LG's CLOi grabs clothes, puts them in the laundry, takes them out, and folds them. It unloads dishwashers. It's designed to eliminate every household chore you hate. Andy Baryer calls it the closest we've seen to a zero-work home.

 

Baryer also examines the Clicks Communicator, a BlackBerry-style Android phone with a physical keyboard created by mobile journalists Mr. Mobile and Crackberry Kevin. Office robots called Oli walk around workplaces. Intel partners with robotics companies to build edge processors that let robots think independently without cloud connections, preventing armies of warehouse robots from getting hacked. Thirty manufacturers displayed robot lawnmowers using satellite navigation and LiDAR to avoid obstacles. Baryer tells every manufacturer they need AI poop detection.

 

Learn why physical keyboards might return after years of predictive text failures. Understand how edge processing prevents robot hacking. Discover what six-foot healthcare robots with Intel chips do for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.

 

GUEST: Andy Baryer | @handyandymedia, handyandymedia.com


Originally aired on 2026-01-12

CES Robots 2025: China's Fighting Machines Freak Out Tech Journalist
CES robots in 2025 crossed a line tech journalist Andy Baryer never expected. A humanoid robot from China throws a jab. Then a hook. Then an uppercut combination in two seconds flat. Then it does a drop kick and stands there taunting. These aren't cute demos anymore.
&nbsp;
Baryer walks the show floor documenting AI-powered robots that detect strangers, chase intruders, and execute fighting moves programmed into open-source platforms. He divides them into Autobots (helpful beer-fetching robot dogs, museum surveillance units) and Decepticons (the ones that made him run when they started chasing him). One humanoid read his name badge and greeted him personally. Another looks like a Kardashian and is marketed as a "companionship robot."
&nbsp;
Discover why this is the first CES where a veteran tech journalist felt genuine fear. Learn what open-source fighting robots mean when they fall into the wrong hands. Understand why China is dominating humanoid robotics and what that shift changes about future technology.
&nbsp;
Robot Butler Arrives: LG's CLOi Folds Laundry and Loads Dishwashers
Robot butler technology reached the Jetsons level at CES 2025. LG's CLOi grabs clothes, puts them in the laundry, takes them out, and folds them. It unloads dishwashers. It's designed to eliminate every household chore you hate. Andy Baryer calls it the closest we've seen to a zero-work home.
&nbsp;
Baryer also examines the Clicks Communicator, a BlackBerry-style Android phone with a physical keyboard created by mobile journalists Mr. Mobile and Crackberry Kevin. Office robots called Oli walk around workplaces. Intel partners with robotics companies to build edge processors that let robots think independently without cloud connections, preventing armies of warehouse robots from getting hacked. Thirty manufacturers displayed robot lawnmowers using satellite navigation and LiDAR to avoid obstacles. Baryer tells every manufacturer they need AI poop detection.
&nbsp;
Learn why physical keyboards might return after years of predictive text failures. Understand how edge processing prevents robot hacking. Discover what six-foot healthcare robots with Intel chips do for Alzheimer's and dementia patients.
&nbsp;
GUEST: Andy Baryer | @handyandymedia, handyandymedia.com
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-01-12

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.