Building materials

Zeroth's W1: The Revolutionary AI-Powered Home and Outdoor Assistant

Zeroth's groundbreaking W1 robot is a true marvel of modern engineering, seamlessly blending cutting-edge artificial intelligence with robust physical design. This versatile mobile assistant is poised to revolutionize how individuals interact with their living spaces and outdoor environments. From intelligent security surveillance to effortless gear transport, the W1 demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptive functionality.

Zeroth's W1 Robot: A New Era of Intelligent Assistance

At the prestigious CES 2026 in vibrant Las Vegas, held from January 6th to January 9th, Zeroth proudly showcased its innovative W1. This advanced mobile robot, featuring durable track wheels and integrated cameras, functions as a sophisticated, autonomous security system for both indoor and outdoor settings. Its 360-degree environmental awareness allows it to vigilantly monitor for unusual activity, detect potential issues, and seamlessly integrate with existing smart home infrastructure. Unlike static surveillance cameras, the W1 offers dynamic security, adapting its patrols and maintaining constant vigilance. Beyond security, the W1 excels as an outdoor companion. Weighing 28 kilograms, this impressive machine can effortlessly carry up to 50 kilograms, nearly double its own weight, across diverse terrains such as grass, gravel, dirt, and uneven slopes without compromising stability. Furthermore, its integrated power storage transforms it into a mobile hub, capable of powering entertainment devices and capturing memorable moments through its eye-mounted cameras. Zeroth anticipates commencing shipments of this remarkable device in April 2026.

The introduction of the Zeroth W1 signifies a pivotal moment in the evolution of assistive technology. Its multifaceted capabilities, from enhancing home security to providing robust outdoor support, highlight the increasing sophistication and practical application of AI in everyday life. This innovation inspires us to envision a future where intelligent robots are not merely tools but indispensable partners, capable of adapting to our dynamic needs and enriching our experiences, both within the confines of our homes and amidst the grandeur of the outdoors. The W1 truly embodies the potential for technology to simplify, secure, and enhance human endeavors.

Me [mé] Carves a 'Hole in the World' Through a Japanese Residence, Creating a Cave-like Interior

The art collective Me [mé] introduces 'Space II' in Kannawa, Japan, a compelling architectural installation that redefines the boundaries of residential spaces. By meticulously carving out irregular voids within a private home, the artists transform the conventional structure into a geological wonder, blurring the lines between man-made and natural formations. This immersive project invites viewers to experience architecture not as an enclosure, but as a dynamic interplay of perception and environment.

Experience Architecture Transformed: A Journey into a Sculpted Void

Discovering 'Space II': A Residential Metamorphosis in Kannawa, Japan

In the vibrant geothermal community of Kannawa, located within Beppu, Oita Prefecture, Japan, the innovative art group Me [mé] unveils its latest creation, 'Space II' (2025). This large-scale artistic endeavor is situated within a private dwelling, which has been dramatically reconfigured. The structure now features a series of unconventional openings, their edges left in a raw, organic state, suggesting that the interior has been naturally eroded. Rather than leading to typical rooms, these apertures reveal a profound rupture, reminiscent of a natural grotto or a deep chasm, emphasizing a connection to the earth's primal forces over human construction.

Redefining Architectural Perception: Beyond Walls and Enclosures

The Japanese artists behind Me [mé] approach 'Space II' by subtracting existing elements from the building, rather than adding new ones. This method transforms the dwelling's interior, where traditional walls and floors give way to a continuous, cavernous expanse. The surfaces within this new space are textured, recalling the patterns of weathered rock formations and ancient volcanic layers. Subtle handrails are integrated to guide visitors through this unique environment, providing necessary support without detracting from the raw, experiential nature of the installation.

Light and Landscape: A Dialogue with the Outside World

Natural light filters into 'Space II' through its various openings, drawing in fleeting glimpses of Kannawa's urban fabric—its rooftops, bustling streets, and passing inhabitants. This infusion of external elements into the sculpted interior prompts observers to view the familiar world through a refreshed, often disorienting lens. The interplay of light and shadow within the void creates an ever-changing visual narrative, enhancing the sense of a temporary, altered reality.

Echoes of Earth: Kannawa's Volcanic History Embodied

Situated within the Geothermal Tourism Lab ENMA Annex, 'Space II' is deeply connected to Beppu's rich geological and cultural heritage. Kannawa, a region shaped by countless volcanic eruptions and seismic shifts, was once regarded with apprehension but later embraced for its healing hot springs. Me [mé] delves into this tumultuous past, envisioning a time when the land was still actively evolving, untamed by human constructs such as language, tourism, or infrastructure. The cavernous forms within the installation mirror the town's essence—its structures, its people, and its natural surroundings—while simultaneously offering a momentary escape from them.

From Overlay to Erasure: A Shift in Artistic Strategy

'Space II' builds upon Me [mé]'s previous work, 'Space' (2020), which was exhibited at the Towada Art Center. In that earlier project, a pristine, museum-like exhibition space was unexpectedly introduced into a retro snack bar. However, with 'Space II', the artistic methodology evolves significantly. Instead of juxtaposing disparate contexts, the collective opts for a strategy of removal, effectively stripping away conventional contextual elements to create an entirely new, unburdened experience.

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VIDA's DIRT.E K3: A Dirt Bike That Evolves with Your Child

VIDA has launched an innovative electric dirt bike for children, the DIRT.E K3, ingeniously designed to adapt to a child's growth. This groundbreaking two-wheeler features modular components that allow it to be adjusted in size as young riders get older and taller. Rather than requiring parents to purchase new bikes frequently, the DIRT.E K3 evolves with the child, making it a sustainable and cost-effective solution for families. Its smart system facilitates adjustments across three different sizes, ensuring that the 'rider triangle' \u2013 encompassing seat height, riding position, and the distance between the seat, handlebars, and foot pegs \u2013 remains optimal for enhanced balance, control, and a smoother riding experience.

VIDA's DIRT.E K3: The Electric Dirt Bike Designed for Growing Riders and Parental Control

The DIRT.E K3, developed by VIDA, represents a significant leap in children's off-road biking. Unveiled at EICMA 2025 and subsequently recognized with the Red Dot Award 2025 and CES Innovation Award 2026, this electric dirt bike prioritizes safety and adaptability. A key feature is its accompanying mobile application, which empowers parents to regulate the bike's speed and acceleration. This allows for customized riding modes tailored to the child's skill level and the terrain, ensuring a safe learning environment. As children gain confidence, settings can be easily modified to match their evolving abilities. The app also provides valuable insights into the bike's usage, helping parents manage maintenance and charging schedules. From a design perspective, the DIRT.E K3 boasts adjustable forks at the front to increase height and a frame that can be extended using screws, all while maintaining consistent tire control and size. With plans to enter new markets, including India, VIDA aims to make this adjustable and intelligent dirt bike accessible to a wider global audience.

This innovative design offers a refreshing perspective on children's recreational vehicles, highlighting the potential for products to grow and adapt alongside their users. It underscores the value of thoughtful engineering that not only addresses practical needs, such as cost and sustainability but also prioritizes safety and a personalized experience. The DIRT.E K3 sets a new benchmark for how children's products can be designed to be both enduring and engaging, fostering a love for outdoor activities while reassuring parents with advanced control features.

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