One of the stranger gadgets from CES.
February 14, 2011 
Every year at CES there are a couple of gadgets that I feel are not going to make it in the marketplace. The WheeMe is one of them. I’m not hoping this isn’t a hit, it just seems like people won’t say: “Wow, what a great idea. I need to get one of these!” I’ll tell you about it, and then if you have a minute let me know in the comments section if you’re indeed excited about buying one. The WheeMe is a palm-size robot designed to give you a self-administered massage. You put it on your back and it moves slowly across your body. As it moves, the company says: “patented nylon fingerettes gently stroke and caress providing a delightful sense of bodily pleasure.” I must say the built in tilt sensor technology is quite amazing. The WheeMe automatically steers itself over your body without falling off or losing its grip. Just when you think it’s going to fall off, it changes direction. The object is to lie down, place the WheeMe on top of your body and let it run. I asked for a demo and they were more than happy to provide one. It sort of feels like a small RC car is moving over your back, but I felt no real massage action. I did have a shirt on and the company recommends no clothing. The WheeMe doesn't offer any adjustments, so I don’t know if the pressure will be enough for folks to feel they’re getting much of a massage. On their website the company says not to expect a deep muscle massage because the WheeMe weighs less than ¾ of a pound. 3 AA batteries provide power. The cost is $69.00 and you can preorder one now. So sound like a good idea? Are you tempted to order one?
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