Tech Innovations Dominate Early 2026, Ranging from Humanoid Robots to AI Assistants
The tech world is buzzing with new innovations in early 2026, ranging from approachable humanoid robots to open-source AI assistants and advancements in wearable robotics. Fauna Robotics unveiled its new humanoid robot, Sprout, designed for safe physical interaction and social engagement, while an open-source AI assistant called Moltbot gained rapid popularity despite security concerns.
Sprout, a 3.5-foot tall robot, was designed to encourage human interaction with its expressive face and soft foam body, according to The Verge. The robot is light enough for one person to carry.
Meanwhile, Moltbot, created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, became one of the fastest-growing AI projects of 2026, crossing 69,000 stars on GitHub within a month, Ars Technica reported. The tool allows users to run a personal AI assistant and control it through messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. While praised for its proactive communication, Moltbot's current design poses "serious security risks," according to Ars Technica.
The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 also showcased advancements in wearable robotics. Sean Hollister, a senior editor at The Verge, tested the Wim S exoskeleton, walking miles through Las Vegas with the robot assisting his legs. Hollister noted that he had worn an exoskeleton at the previous year's CES as well.
In other tech news, Allison Johnson, a senior reviewer at The Verge, reflected on the ideal folding phone, suggesting that "somewhere between the Pixel and the Galaxy there's a perfect foldable." She highlighted the appeal of book-style folding phones, envisioning them as pocket-sized computers.
Away from gadgets, Charles Pulliam-Moore, a reporter at The Verge, reviewed Sam Raimi's new horror-thriller, "Send Help," describing it as "an ode to every worker who has had a bad boss."
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