At the Consumer Electronics Show, Japanese robotics startup Yukai Engineering unveiled an innovative and adorable gadget: a portable, cat-shaped robot named Nékojita FuFu. Designed for those with heat-sensitive tongues—a condition affecting nearly half of Japan’s population—the robot cools down hot food and drinks using a built-in fan powered by a rechargeable battery.
The robot’s name cleverly combines “néko-jita,” a Japanese term meaning “cat tongue” to describe sensitivity to heat, with “FuFu,” the sound of blowing air. Featuring Yukai’s proprietary “Fu-ing System,” Nékojita FuFu mimics human breath through randomized blowing patterns, offering customizable cooling modes such as the powerful “I’ve Got This!” or the gentler “Not Gonna Spill.”
Unlike traditional cooling methods like specialized mugs, Nékojita FuFu is a standalone device that attaches easily to most straight-edged dishware. It’s capable of cooling hot water from 88°C to 71°C in just three minutes, and to 66°C in five minutes, making it practical for tea lovers and soup enthusiasts alike.
Set for a mid-2025 release in Japan following a crowdfunding campaign, Nékojita FuFu combines functionality and charm, promising a whimsical yet effective solution to the universal challenge of enjoying hot meals without discomfort.
