Photo: kasto/Depositphotos

Scandinavia is known for its eco-friendly efforts, but Norway is really taking the lead when it comes to cutting motor emissions. According to recent data collected by the Norwegian Road Federation (OFV), almost nine out of 10 new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric. That’s 88.9%, up from 82.4% in 2023, showing how committed Norway is to going green on the roads.

With a population of just 5.5 million, Norway has embraced electric vehicles (EVs) faster than any other country. EVs now account for almost a third of all on Norwegian roads, and in Oslo, nearly every other car on the road is electric, setting the global standard for a sustainable future.

According to OFV, the top electric passenger cars of 2024 include Tesla Model Y, Volvo EX30, and Volkswagen ID.4. Christina Bu, head of the Norwegian Electric Vehicle Association says, “Norway will be the first country in the world to pretty much erase petrol and diesel engine cars from the new car market.”

Norway hasn’t banned petrol and diesel cars, but the country does impose high taxes on their purchase. Meanwhile, electric cars are exempt from VAT and import taxes, making “zero emissions” even more appealing. Making the decision to switch is also more convenient, since many Norwegian car dealerships only offer electric vehicles and most fuel stations have replaced petrol pumps with charging stalls.

Norway is ahead of the curve with plans for all new cars sold to be electric by 2025. Impressively, this goal will likely be reached well before the European Union’s target to ban the sale of new fossil-fuel cars by 2035.

Find out more about the data collected by the Norwegian Road Federation.

In 2024, electric vehicles made up 89% of new car sales in Norway, making the country a global leader in reducing motor emissions.

Photo: gvictoria/Depositphotos

Source: Norwegian EV market; In Norway, nearly all new cars sold in 2024 were fully electric

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READ: Norway Is Set To Be the First Country in the World to Fully Transition to Electric Vehicles

 

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Louisiana-based Joseph “Gabe” Sonnier is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. After nearly three decades as a janitor, he decided to become a teacher, ultimately becoming the principal of the very same school he once cleaned.

Sonnier’s journey took a turn in 1985 when Westley Jones, the then-principal of Port Barre Elementary, pulled him aside for a life-changing conversation. “He said, ‘Being a janitor is a good job and it’s an honest living,’” Sonnier, now 63, recalls. “But I taught you unlimited potential. I think you’d benefit the students better as an educator. I’d rather see you grading papers than picking them up.’”

Encouraged by the principal’s belief in his potential, Sonnier enrolled at Louisiana State University Eunice and the University of Louisiana. He balanced a demanding schedule, working mornings and evenings at the school while pursuing his studies. “I’d finish there and then go home and do homework,” he says. “It was hardly much rest.”

Fortunately, Sonnier’s hard work and dedication paid off. In 2006, at age 39, he graduated with an associate’s degree in general studies from Louisiana State University Eunice, and in 2008 he received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Louisiana. He then got his first teaching job, and even went on to complete a master's degree in Science and Education.

In 2013, Sonnier became the principal of the very school he had cleaned for 27 years. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Who would have thought 33 years ago, when I set foot on this campus, that I’d eventually be the leader of this school?”

Sonnier originally put his dreams on hold after graduating high school to help his family. Following his parents’ separation, he stepped in to help his mother with bills by taking on various jobs, including construction, grocery work, and a position at a sawmill. Eventually, he became a janitor at Port Barre Elementary, following in the footsteps of his father, who had held the same role for much of his life.

“When I first started, it was my intention to work five, maybe 10 years as a janitor and then look to do something else,” says Sonnier. Though his time as a janitor lasted longer than he initially intended, he ultimately managed to transform his life, inspiring others along the way—including fellow staff members who pursued their own master’s degrees. “Don’t let your current situation define what you’ll become later,” Sonnier recommends. “I always tell them, it’s not where you start, it’s how you finish.”

Find out more about Sonnier’s story in the video below.

After nearly three decades as a janitor, Louisiana-based Joseph “Gabe” Sonnier studied to become a teacher and ultimately became the principal of the same school he once cleaned.

Sources: La. principal's success is a lesson in perseverance; How a Louisiana Man Went from Being a School Janitor to School Principal

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READ: Man Achieves Dream of Becoming Principal After Almost 30 Years as School Janitor

 

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Architectural sketches are great for capturing a building’s details, but bringing its life and character to the page isn’t always easy. Ukrainian artist Nikita Busyak has found a unique way to do just that—by digitally enhancing his drawings with warm yellow light. This technique makes the windows appear to glow, transforming the sketches into captivating night scenes.

Busyak begins by using Micron pens to craft his cityscapes with intricate linework, hatch shading, and detailed markings. While his black-and-white drawings are impressive on their own, they truly transform when he adds his signature touch of light. While the artist’s earlier works showcase still scenes with static glows emanating from windows and balconies, his latest creations take it a step further. Using digital animation, he brings the scenes to life, making it appear as if someone inside the building is flicking the lights on and off.

Many of Busyak’s artworks are inspired by the architecture found in Kharkiv, a city in northeast Ukraine. Unfortunately, some parts of the region have been damaged due to the current war, but Busyak’s drawings offer a reminder of the city’s beauty. Each window “light” is cleverly animated to illuminate the area’s stunning architectural details, highlighting intricate brickwork and ornate façades.

Busyak showcases a deep understanding of how light shapes a scene—in one piece, the artist creates the illusion of light spilling onto the street, while in another, a warm glow gently illuminates a tree lining the road. Each piece evokes the feeling that hidden lives are unfolding within the pages of his sketchbook after dark.

Check out some of the artist’s latest works below and follow Nikita Busyak on Instagram for more of his incredible work.

Ukrainian artist Nikita Busyak digitally enhances his architectural drawings to add warm yellow light to the building windows.

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

Using clever animation techniques, he brings the scenes to life, making it appear as if someone inside the building is flicking the lights on and off.

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

Each window “light” illuminates stunning architectural details, like intricate brickwork and ornate façades.

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

Each piece evokes the feeling that hidden lives are unfolding within the pages of his sketchbook after dark.

 

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A post shared by Nikita Busyak (@citiesandsketches)

Nikita Busyak: Instagram | Shop

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Nikita Busyak.

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READ: Flickering Window Lights Transform Architectural Drawings Into Inviting Animated Scenes

With its rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, Ōtepoti Dunedin on New Zealand’s South Island is one of the most breathtaking areas in the world. Captivated by its beauty during a recent visit, Brazilian textile artist Vanessa Barragão crafted an extraordinary hand-tufted artwork inspired by the region.

Barragão is known for her stunning, nature-inspired textile art that celebrates the world’s ecosystems, and Dunedin, completed in 2024, is no exception. The massive 4.5 x 3.7-meter piece beautifully captures the diverse textures and vibrant colors of New Zealand’s landscapes through colorful wool yarn. Using the tufting technique, Barragão brings blue bays, sandy beaches, and rolling hills to life with stunning three-dimensional detail.

Dunedin isn’t just a stunning work of art—it’s practical too. Designed as a giant rug, it invites you to lounge among its soft, textured landscapes. Barragão even added detachable “hills” that double as backrests or seats, blending beauty with functionality. Every inch of the piece highlights the artist’s remarkable talent for translating natural landscapes into incredible textile art. And if Barragão’s previous work is anything to go by, Dunedin likely took hundreds of hours to complete.

For Barragão, completing Dunedin marks a significant milestone in her artistic journey. “This piece not only celebrates the launch of a new collection, but also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Studio and everything it stands for,” she shares. “From my team, family, and all of you who follow me! Thank you for this journey, and may we continue together!”

Check out Dunedin in detail below and follow Barragão on Instagram for more of her incredible textile art.

Brazilian textile artist Vanessa Barragão crafted an extraordinary hand-tufted artwork inspired by the Ōtepoti Dunedin region in New Zealand.

The massive 4.5 x 3.7-meter piece beautifully captures the diverse textures and vibrant colors of the landscape through colorful wool yarn.

Using the tufting technique, Barragão brings blue bays, sandy beaches, and rolling hills to life with stunning three-dimensional detail.

Barragão even added detachable “hills” that double as backrests or seats.

 

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A post shared by Vanessa Barragão (@vanessabarragao_work)

Vanessa Barragão: Website | Instagram 

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Vanessa Barragão.

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READ: Textile Art Captures the Lush Beauty of New Zealand’s Rugged Landscapes

 

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The devastating LA fires are relentlessly tearing through neighborhoods, destroying over 12,300 buildings and displacing thousands of people. Among those affected is street photographer Marcus Ubungen, who tragically lost his home in Altadena to the Eaton fire. The blaze not only destroyed his residence but also all of his photography equipment, leaving his family with next to nothing.

Fortunately, Ubungen, his wife Ursula, and their two young children, Alma (7) and Theo (2), evacuated just in time. They managed to pack two carry-on-sized bags, filling them with essential documents such as passports, social security cards, and the kids’ birth certificates. However, when they returned to their home, they found their entire property reduced to rubble.

Before evacuating, Ubungen managed to tuck a few of his small cameras into his backpack, along with his grandfather’s camera lens. However, he lost the majority of the equipment essential for his livelihood, as well as his film. “I lost my 8×10 camera, 4×5 camera, lenses in every format, all my lighting gear, a full Canon R5 kit, and a Sony FX9 Cinema package,” he reveals. “And there’s the stuff around that stuff—all the accessories, my film processor, printer, paper, computer setup, and flatbed scanners. It was quite a bit.”

Ubungen shared a heartbreaking video on Instagram, walking through the ashes of what was once his family’s home. However, amid the devastation, he pointed out “small signs of hope”—a single blooming rose, a resilient fruit tree still standing, and the children’s playhouse miraculously untouched. In another recent photo depicting a carousel, Ubungen writes, “My brain feels like this photo—a constant swirl of stress, spinning endlessly but not really going anywhere. I’ve lost track of what day it is. I know it’s been a week since the fire took our home, and life has been a blur of to-do lists, living out of a suitcase, juggling two kids, and bouncing from place to place.”

Ubungen and his family are currently staying with relatives as they work to rebuild their home through their insurance policy. However, the rebuilding process is often lengthy and uncertain, leaving the family in an unstable situation. In a bid to help them get up and running again, the family’s friend, Tiffany Teddy, set up a GoFundMe campaign.

Donations will go towards the family’s immediate needs, including basic necessities for the kids, clothes, food, and replacing equipment they depend on. The campaign has garnered support from over 1,000 generous donors worldwide, raising an impressive total of more than $140,000. The family say, “A huge thank you to everyone who has already contributed. We are so humbled by the incredible outpouring of support.”

You can help support the family by donating to their GoFundMe campaign here, and be sure to check out Ubungen’s stunning photography on Instagram. Let’s hope this family can rebuild and return to normalcy as soon as possible!

If you want to help those who have been affected by the fires in the LA area, check out this list of wildfire relief initiatives. For those affected by the fires, please refer to this updated list of resources for shelter, food, clothing, pet care, and more.

Photographer Marcus Ubungen lost his home, his family's belongings, and almost all of his photography gear to the Eaton fire.

 

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A post shared by Marcus Ubungen (@yourpalmarcus)

You can help this wonderful family get back on their feet by contributing to a GoFundMe campaign set up by a friend.

 

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A post shared by Marcus Ubungen (@yourpalmarcus)

Marcus Ubungen: Instagram | GoFundMe

Sources: Support Ursula, Marcus and family after Eaton fire; Photographer Loses His Home and All of His Gear in LA Wildfires

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READ: LA Photographer Loses Home and Essential Photography Equipment in Eaton Fire

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Cities take on a whole new personality at night. As the sun sets, a new energy fills the air—a blend of mystery, calm, allure—that daytime just can’t capture. Japanese artist Keita Morimoto brings these moments to life in his stunning paintings, capturing the quiet intensity of cities after dark.

The nomadic artist travels between Toronto and Tokyo, capturing the hidden corners of each city at night. Colors pop, shadows stretch, and streets glow under the warmth of streetlights, neon signs, and vending machines. Even the artist’s mysterious human figures seem to hold secrets in their faces, adding layers of intrigue to each scene.

Each of Morimoto’s paintings, rendered in acrylic and oil on linen, captures dramatic lighting that feels straight out of a scene by Rembrandt or Edward Hopper. The talented artist blends classic painting techniques with his unique style, turning everyday streets into magical worlds that invite viewers to see the beauty in the ordinary.

Morimoto recently released a book of his paintings called Illuminated Solitude. Take a look at some of his latest works below and find more by following Keita Morimoto on Instagram.

Japanese artist Keita Morimoto captures the quiet intensity of cities after dark in his incredible acrylic and oil paintings.

The nomadic artist travels between Toronto and Tokyo, capturing the hidden corners of each city at night.

Colors pop, shadows stretch, and streets glow under the warmth of streetlights, neon signs, and vending machines.

The talented artist turns everyday streets into magical worlds that invite viewers to see the beauty in the ordinary.

Keita Morimoto: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Keita Morimoto.

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READ: Electric Paintings Capture the Enigmatic Glow of Cities at Night

 

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Amid the relentless wildfires in California, the Los Angeles Fire Department is working tirelessly, day and night, to combat the flames and protect the local community. Their unwavering dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, inspiring gratitude and support from both individuals and businesses online and in person.

The fast food chain restaurant In-N-Out has been showing its appreciation by providing complimentary meals to firefighters, giving them a well-deserved break and a hearty meal. In a heartwarming moment captured in a now-viral TikTok video shared by user @chavo1021, an entire restaurant stopped eating and erupted into cheer as a fire crew arrived for their free meal.

“Thank you!” a voice can be heard yelling out in the video as the firefighters enter, some responding with modest smiles to the warm reception. Others online have since echoed the restaurant-goers’ support with comments pointing out just how exhausted those firefighters must be. One person wrote, “This made me cry. I’m so thankful for people who put their lives in the frontline for us.” Another person wrote, “This is what heroes look like.”

Meanwhile, In-N-Out shared their own appreciation post on Instagram, revealing heartwarming images of firefighters stopping by to grab a bite to eat. “Words cannot express our gratitude for the fearless firefighters who continue to risk their lives to save the communities we’ve been part of for so long,” the caption reads.” It’s been an honor to provide complimentary meals for firefighters with our cookout trucks and at our locations near the areas greatly affected by the fires. This is a small way for us to show our support and appreciation for your sacrifices, and we hope it provides a moment of comfort. We can never thank you enough.”

In another Instagram post, California-based lawyer Jennifer Holliday shared several photos of a group of firefighters that stopped at her local In-N-Out for a meal on January 9. “I got to thank a dozen firefighters at @innout – they were wearing clothes and boots covered in soot and dirt, and they ate quickly and took off,” she writes in the caption. “[I’m] so grateful to them and to the businesses that offer them a meal and a place to breathe and rest.”

If you want to help those who have been affected by the fires in the LA area, check out this list of wildfire relief initiatives. For those affected by the fires, please refer to this updated list of resources for shelter, food, clothing, pet care, and more.

This heartwarming video captures the moment customers at an In-N-Out restaurant paused dining on their meals to cheer for a group of LA firefighters who stopped by for a bite to eat.

@chavo1021 Thank for the hard work #fire #hero #innoutburger ♬ original sound – Sexy chavo

The fast food chain restaurant has been offering complimentary meals to firefighters on the front lines of the wildfires as a thank you for their hard work.

 

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A post shared by In-N-Out Burger ® (@innout)

Others online have been posting pictures from their local In-N-Outs, expressing their appreciation for the hungry firefighters.

 

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A post shared by Jennifer Holliday (@jenhollidayx)

Even more LA restaurants are stepping up, offering free meals to first responders and displaced people.

 

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A post shared by 1909 Fluid & Fare (@1909temecula)

 

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A post shared by Jitlada Thai Restaurant (@jitlada_la)

 

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A post shared by Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe (@huckcafe)

 

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A post shared by YEASTIE BOYS BAGELS (@yeastieboysbagels)

Los Angeles Fire Department: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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READ: Watch In-N-Out Customers Erupt Into Cheers for Firefighters Fighting LA Fires

CES 2025 was packed with amazing new tech, but a few products really stole the show this year. Tokyo-based Yukai Engineering won everyone over with their adorable creations, like a fluffy robot companion that acts just like a real human baby. Another standout was a super cute, cat-shaped mini robot that’s as practical as it is charming—it cools down hot meals and drinks by blowing air on them.

Nékojita FuFu, the mini robot, is designed to clip onto your mug, plate, or bowl. It features a built-in fan powered by a unique algorithm called the “Fu-ing System,” which mimics how humans blow on hot food and drinks. By adjusting the fan’s direction and intensity through its tiny mouth, Nékojita FuFu can cool your meal or beverage to a comfortable temperature in under five minutes. The helpful cat robot even features various blowing modes, such as the full-force “I’ve Got This!” and gentler, steadier blows like the “Not Gonna Spill” mode.

The robot’s name is a clever blend of two concepts. “Neko-jita,” which translates to “cat tongue,” is a Japanese term used to describe people sensitive to hot food—a condition that, according to a 2018 online poll, affects nearly 47% of respondents in Japan. Meanwhile, “FuFu” is an onomatopoeia representing the sound we make when blowing on food to cool it down.

Nékojita FuFu came to life during Yukai Engineering’s 2024 Make-a-Thon. Chief Marketing Officer Tsubasa Tominaga shared that the idea was inspired by his own struggles a few years back, when he often found himself out of breath and dizzy from trying to cool down hot baby food for his son.

“We created Nékojita FuFu as a little personal meal partner, so you can solve your ‘néko-jita’ problem anywhere, anytime,” says 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.”

Yukai Engineering plans to launch Nékojita FuFu in Japan by mid-2025, with a price tag of ¥3,800 (around $25). Find out more about this cute product on the Yukai Engineering website.

This cat-shaped mini robot by Yukai Engineering blows on your hot food and drinks to cool them down in under five minutes.

The helpful cat robot features various blowing modes, such as the full-force “I’ve Got This!” and gentler, steadier blows like the “Not Gonna Spill” mode.

It features a built-in fan powered by a unique algorithm called the “Fu-ing System,” which mimics how humans blow on hot food and drinks.

Yukai Engineering: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Yukai Engineering.

Source: Yukai Engineering to Debut ‘Nékojita FuFu,’Attachable Mini-Robot That Cools Hot Drinks/Food, at CES Unveiled

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READ: CES 2025: This Helpful Little Cat Robot Blows on Hot Food and Drinks To Cool Them Down

Bird baths not only provide a safe haven for our feathered friends to cool off and hydrate, but they also offer birdwatchers a unique chance to observe and appreciate their beauty up close. The Birdfy Bath Pro takes this to a whole new level with its smart features, making learning about bird behavior easier than ever.

With its built-in solar panel for hassle-free power, the Birdfy Bath Pro features a central water fountain that’s perfect for attracting local birds to stop by for a refreshing dip. While they enjoy the bath, the device’s waterproof dual-lens camera captures stunning photos and videos, which are conveniently sent straight to your phone. The lower wide-angle lens captures 16:9 ratio images in crisp 1080p resolution, while the portrait lens takes it up a level with 2K resolution, tracking the birds’ movements and zooming in for detailed close-ups.

The smart bird bath also comes with a motion detector that sends a notification to your phone whenever a bird stops by. But what really sets it apart is its impressive AI recognition feature, which can identify over 6,000 bird species.

The standard Birdfy app is free to use, with an optional monthly subscription for the AI Bird Recognition feature. For more details on the Birdfy Bath Pro and to buy your own, check out the Birdfy website. It’s currently available for $328.

The Birdfy Bath Pro takes birdwatching to a whole new level with its smart features, making admiring our feathered friends easier than ever.

While the birds enjoy the bath, the device's dual-lens camera captures stunning photos and videos, which are conveniently sent straight to your phone.

What sets it apart is its impressive AI recognition feature, which can identify over 6,000 bird species.

This smart bird bath even comes with a motion detector that sends a notification to your phone whenever a bird stops by.

Birdfy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

All images via Birdfy.

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While some technologies are created to simplify our lives, others exist solely to bring us joy. Meet Mirumi—an adorable furry robot designed by Japanese company Yukai Engineering that playfully interacts with passersby.

Yukai Engineering’s team of engineers and designers came up with the idea for Mirumi during a “Make-a-Thon” in 2024. Their goal was to create a robotic yokai—a supernatural being—infused with the endearing qualities of a human baby.

With its large, cooing eyes and soft fur, Mirumi is sure to capture attention. It can attach to your arm, bag, or anything else, bringing a smile to anyone around you. However, its next move might surprise you. This sloth-like creature curiously observes its surroundings, responding to people or objects it detects with its built-in sensors.

Equipped with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), Mirumi can sense movements—whether it’s a tap on its body or the motion of a bag it’s attached to—adding an element of playful interactivity. It even bashfully hides its face and shakes its head to say, “no,” when jiggled.

“People often find great joy in sharing their own happiness with others. Mirumi is a robot that enables you to do just that,” Yukai Engineering CEO Shunsuke Aoki says. “Whether you’re riding a crowded train or standing in line at the cashier, your Mirumi will always find a way to reach into people’s hearts with its innocent gaze, prompting the person to wave at the robot or make a funny face in response.”

Yukai Engineering unveiled Mirumi at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, a trade show highlighting cutting-edge technologies of today, where visitors were left in awe of the adorable gadget pal. The team plans to launch Mirumi through a crowdfunding campaign later this year, aiming for a price point of $100.

Check out the adorable robot below and keep an eye on Yukai Engineering’s website for updates.

Meet Mirumi—an adorable furry robot designed by Japanese company Yukai Engineering.

The sloth-like creature attaches to your bag and curiously observes its surroundings.

It playfully responds to people or objects it detects with its built-in sensors.

 

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A post shared by The Verge (@verge)

Yukai Engineering: Website | Facebook | Instagram

All images via Yukai Engineering.

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READ: CES 2025: Adorable Fluffy Robot Attaches to Your Bag and Playfully Engages With Its Surroundings