CES 2025: composites in the innovations of French start-ups

Start-ups from France are taking part in the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas from 7 to 10 January. More than 110 French companies from twelve French regions are exhibiting their innovations in areas such as health, mobility and green technologies, with a growing focus on artificial intelligence, including some using composite materials.

SeaNXT, based in Vallauris (06), is presenting the SeaNXT Elite, an aquatic thruster designed 100% in carbon. Fitted with an LED light strip, it only weighs 22 kg and provides 640N of thrust with two motors and an integrated GPS. This electric underwater exploration vehicle, manufactured in France, is designed to limit noise pollution. Each component is modular so that it can be easily replaced.

At the show, French-Tunisian start-up Kumulus Water will exhibits its Kumulus-1 robot, which generates drinking water from atmospheric humidity. This machine, protected by a fibreglass-reinforced composite shell, produces up to 30 litres of fresh water a day from ambient air. Available in France, Spain, Tunisia and Morocco, these self-contained machines, the size of a small fridge, can be installed anywhere, particularly in areas of extreme drought. Holder of three international patents, Kumulus Water has already sold around fifty machines in Spain, Tunisia and the south of France.

Aix-based C-Inertia will be showing CES visitors its carbon wheels for the automotive and motorbike markets, based on patented technology. Up to 50% lighter than aluminium wheels, these wheels reduce the inertia of vehicles, enabling them to remain more firmly on the ground. They also reduce shocks and vibrations. C-Inertia uses carbon fibre designed for the aeronautical industry, with the manufacturing process monitored from the outset by numbering each part.

With its carbon fibre-reinforced nylon body, the Mirokaï robot presented by Enchanted tools will not go unnoticed in the halls of the show. Designed to provide companionship and logistical support to its users, this robot is equipped with advanced artificial intelligence and can be deployed in shops and hospitals to move objects, provide information and offer assistance to customers and patients. A new ring base with sensors around Mirokai’s rolling globe enables it to detect and navigate obstacles, enhancing its spatial awareness and overall stability.

French connected health brand Withings has unveiled a new mirror concept offering an interactive, holistic view of vital signs. Integrating health monitoring into a daily experience enhanced by AI, this mirror, entitled Omnia, uses a network of invisible scans based on the Withings ecosystem of solutions, like the Body Scan scale. The latter has recently incorporated a new part made from recycled carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) chips supplied by French composite fibre recycling specialist Fairmat. The structural reinforcement of the connected scale is designed to replace the traditional metal case stiffeners commonly used in electronic devices. Still at the concept stage, the Omnia mirror could also incorporate composites in the future.