Robot Cat Coffee Cooler - The Purrfect Way to Cool Your Drink

Yukai Engineering's Nékojita FuFu: A Robotic Cooling Companion

At CES 2025, Yukai Engineering is showcasing its innovative range of animal-inspired robots, with the Nékojita FuFu being a particularly intriguing addition. This miniature robotic cat is designed to attach to the side of mugs or bowls.

Its primary function is to provide a gentle airflow, assisting in the cooling of beverages or food. The Tokyo-based company explains that the robot utilizes both a fan and a unique “Fu-ing System,” employing a special algorithm to mimic the variable blowing patterns of a human.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name "Nékojita FuFu" is thoughtfully constructed from two distinct elements. "FuFu" represents the onomatopoeic sound associated with blowing on food to cool it.

"Neko-jita," translating to "cat tongue," alludes to individuals with a heightened sensitivity to hot temperatures. Interestingly, surveys indicate that this sensitivity affects approximately half of the Japanese population.

Origins in an Internal Hack-a-thon

Nékojita FuFu emerged from Yukai Engineering’s 2024 internal Make-a-Thon. It shares its origins with Murami, the fuzzy robotic purse companion also revealed at CES this week.

The company shares that the idea for Nékojita FuFu stemmed from a team leader’s personal experience. He recalled the exhaustion and dizziness he felt while repeatedly cooling his son’s baby food by blowing on it.

Operational Modes

Yukai Engineering has outlined several distinct operational modes for the robot:

• Basic Main: Consistent medium-strength airflow with brief intervals.
• Look at That!: Gradually increasing airflow, simulating fascination with the food.
• I’ve Got This!: A powerful initial burst followed by sustained airflow.
• The Princess Elegant: Slow and deliberate increases in airflow intensity.
• Sing My Praise: A continuous series of short, strong bursts of air.
• Ready Yet?: Intermittent airflow, checking for optimal cooling.
• ‘Til You Drop: A prolonged, powerful, and uninterrupted airflow.
• Not Gonna Spill: Steady medium airflow with interspersed deep inhalations.

Availability and Pricing

The Nékojita FuFu is scheduled for release in Japan around mid-2025. The anticipated price point is approximately $25.