A mini robot capable of cooling down hot drinks and food by blowing on them has been developed by Tokyo-based robotics startup Yukai Engineering.
The Nékojita FuFu, which was recently introduced at CES 2025, is a portable and attachable mini robot that quite literally blows on hot foods and beverages to cool them down. Enabling this is an internal fan that generates cool air and breathes it out through the robot's mouth.
Source: Yukai Engineering
The robot’s developers explained that the Nékojita FuFu features an algorithm dubbed the Fu-ing System, which enables the mini robot to randomize its blowing strength and rhythm — much like people do.
Setting the Nékojita FuFu apart from similar heat-reducing devices, according to the startup, is that the mini robot is attachable and portable — unlike conventional heat-reducing mug cups, which typically require electricity. Making this possible is that the device features its own rechargeable battery.
Further, the Nékojita FuFu design features paws that anchor the robot to cups and bowls. Additionally, the device can reportedly reduce the temperature of hot water in a cup from 190° F to 160° F and 151° in roughly 3 minutes and 5 minutes, respectively. Without the robot, the temperatures would be 176° F and 171° F.
Yukai Engineering explained that Nékojita FuFu includes different ‘blowing’ modes and switches between the full-force ‘I’ve Got This’ mode and the gentler ‘Not Gonna Spill’ mode. For now, the company plans to release the Nékojita FuFu only in Japan.