CEATEC 2014

Instead of having to constantly look down at a smartphone screen's mapping app to find your way around unfamiliar streets, Yubi Navi looks to simplify on-foot navigation, replacing on-screen prompts with tactile cues.

Two issues preventing the widespread uptake of electric vehicles are recharging time and lack of range. Now, scientists have shown one potential means of negating these issues. Their demonstration of electric power transfer via the car-wheel is claimed as the world's first.

Japanese firm Omron has developed a new ping-pong-playing robot that, although not capable of taking on and beating even a semi-skilled human player, is capable of entering into long rallies with human players.

Toshiba has introduced its own take on human-looking androids at Japan's CEATEC electronics trade show this week. The communication android has been built to communicate in Japanese sign language, requiring fluid and precise movement of its arms and hands.