LUMISTAR wrapped up its CES 2026 debut in Las Vegas with record-level attention, as live demos of its AI-powered sports training systems consistently drew full crowds throughout the show, according to the company.

The sports-focused AI brand showcased TERO, its AI tennis training system, and CARRY, its AI basketball training system—both described by attendees as “game changers” for how training can be delivered, measured, and scaled.

Why the Booth Stayed Packed

Across multiple days of hands-on demonstrations, LUMISTAR’s booth became a focal point for athletes, coaches, club operators, and sports technology professionals. Visitors repeatedly pointed to one key difference: the systems don’t just record results—they actively participate in training.

That’s a major break from the standard model in sports tech, where:

• traditional ball machines run pre-set drills, and
• wearables/video tools analyze performance after a session ends.

Training That Adapts in Real Time

LUMISTAR says both TERO and CARRY combine real-time computer vision, adaptive decision-making, and on-court execution to respond instantly to athlete behavior—adjusting difficulty, tempo, and training logic shot by shot.

Attendees noted that this turns practice from repetition into something closer to competition—an evolving back-and-forth between athlete and system.

“This is not an incremental improvement—it’s a complete rethink of what training equipment should do,” one professional coach attending CES said in the release. “For the first time, the machine is reacting to the athlete, not the other way around.”

From Data Collection to Action

Another standout point from CES feedback: the platform’s focus on turning performance data into immediate training outcomes.

LUMISTAR’s approach emphasizes:

• continuous data retention across sessions
• real-time performance interpretation
• clear visualization of progress and training efficiency

Coaches and athletes highlighted that this could reduce wasted training time and accelerate skill development by making each session measurable and comparable.

What’s Next: Pre-Orders and Kickstarter

LUMISTAR outlined a 2026 rollout plan following CES:

• TERO opens for pre-orders in March 2026, with full market availability beginning May 2026
• CARRY launches via Kickstarter in Q2 2026
• The company will continue private demonstrations and pilot programs with select training institutions worldwide ahead of commercial release

More information is available at https://www.lumistar.ai.

Source: PRNewswire press release from LUMISTAR (Jan. 11, 2026)

STM Daily News is tracking the biggest CES 2026 stories shaping entertainment, culture, and the tech that’s changing how we watch, play, train, and live—bringing you quick-hit updates, standout product debuts, and follow-up coverage as launches roll out in 2026. https://stmdailynews.com/entertainment/

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Arspura used CES 2026 to make a very specific point: the kitchen isn’t just where meals happen—it’s where indoor air quality can quietly take a hit. From January 6–8 in Las Vegas, the premium smart home appliance brand showcased its latest IQV™ innovations and hosted a three-day brand program focused on respiratory wellness, user experience, and next-gen ventilation designed to tackle smoke, grease particles, and lingering odors right at the source.

At the center of the showcase was Arspura’s proprietary IQV™ Dynamic Particulate Capture Technology, built to reduce the “smoke escape” problem that many households still deal with using traditional range hoods. The brand’s message throughout the event was simple and consumer-friendly: “Cook freely, breathe freely.”

Arspura also shared CES showcase highlights here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owPq9B5GcLE

Day 1: The Invisible Kitchen Health Issue—PM2.5

Arspura opened its CES program with a keynote from Professor Francesca Dominici of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who emphasized the health risks tied to fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Her message: even low-level exposure can contribute to illness, and cooking-related particulates can be especially concerning when they spread throughout the home.

Dominici noted that PM2.5 exposure can be particularly hazardous for:

• Older adults
• People with existing health conditions
• Individuals with asthma

The takeaway for everyday households was clear: preventing cooking-related PM2.5 from dispersing indoors—and reducing exposure at the source—can be an important step toward healthier living.

Arspura tied that research directly to its product mission, highlighting a focus on helping households (especially those with asthma or nasal sensitivities) cook with less irritation from smoke and odor.

Day 2: Aiming for Smoke Capture With Less “Escape”

On day two, Arspura shifted from health awareness to product mechanics. In a technical session led by the company’s product manager, Arspura explained how its IQV™ airflow design pairs with high-airspeed capture (up to 13 m/s) to improve capture performance while minimizing smoke escape.

The company framed IQV™ as more than a spec sheet upgrade—it’s meant to be a blend of technology and daily usability that makes “healthy cooking” feel effortless instead of high-maintenance.

Arspura also hosted an on-site visit and interview with media figure Yang Lan, who toured the booth and shared positive feedback on the IQV™ technology and the IQV Hood concept—especially for people who are sensitive to cooking fumes and want a more comfortable kitchen environment.

Day 3: Real Users, Real Kitchens, Real Results

Arspura closed out CES 2026 with momentum, including five awards earned during the show. To wrap the three-day program, the brand invited its first group of IQV Hood users for an in-person sharing session paired with hands-on demos.

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The focus here wasn’t just “health protection”—it was also practicality. Arspura positioned the IQV Hood experience around two everyday wins:

• Health protection through improved smoke capture and deodorization
• Easy cleaning for real-life kitchen routines

Users shared that they had tried multiple traditional range hoods in the past and still dealt with smoke escape and stubborn odors. In contrast, they reported noticeably improved smoke capture with Arspura’s IQV™ performance—making cooking more enjoyable and, in some cases, convincing friends and family to consider upgrading after seeing it in action.

What’s Next for Arspura

With CES recognition and user-driven validation, Arspura is betting on a growing shift in the category: kitchen ventilation that prioritizes health + usability, not one or the other. The company says it will continue developing smarter, cleaner-air technologies for modern homes.

For more information, visit arspura.com.

Source: Arspura via PRNewswire (Jan. 16, 2026)

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View from the driver’s seat of the gear shift lever in a car with an automatic transmission and climate control panel. Black-gray car interior

CVT Transmissions Explained: Model Years to Avoid, Reliability Issues, and Maintenance Tips

Continuously Variable Transmissions — better known as CVTs — are now common in compact cars, hybrids, and fuel-efficient vehicles. They promise smoother driving and better gas mileage, but their reputation has been uneven, depending heavily on brand, design, and model year.

Here’s what CVTs are, which vehicles have had the most trouble, and how owners can protect themselves from costly repairs.

What Is a CVT?

A CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) doesn’t use traditional fixed gears like a 6-speed or 8-speed automatic. Instead, it relies on two variable-diameter pulleys connected by a steel belt or chain. As the pulleys change size, the transmission seamlessly adjusts the gear ratio.

• Smooth acceleration
• No noticeable gear shifts
• Improved fuel efficiency

This design is why CVTs are especially common in hybrids, where efficiency and smooth power delivery matter more than outright performance.

Illustration credit: Samarins.com

Why CVTs Are Popular in Hybrids

Most hybrid systems use a variation called an eCVT, which is mechanically different — and generally more reliable — than belt-driven CVTs found in many gas-only cars.

Manufacturers like Toyota and Honda favor eCVTs because they:

• Reduce mechanical complexity
• Eliminate traditional belts under high stress
• Integrate seamlessly with electric motors
• Deliver long-term durability with minimal maintenance

This is why hybrid CVTs tend to have far fewer failure complaints than early gasoline-only CVTs.

CVT Model Years to Avoid (Buyer Beware)

Not all CVTs are created equal. Some manufacturers — most notably Nissan — experienced widespread issues during certain production years.

Nissan CVT Model Years With Higher Failure Rates

• Nissan Altima: 2007–2012, 2013–2018
• Nissan Sentra: 2012–2017
• Nissan Rogue: 2014–2018
• Nissan Pathfinder: 2013–2014

Common issues reported included:

• Shuddering and hesitation
• Overheating
• Whining noises
• Premature belt or pulley failure
• Complete transmission replacement well before 100,000 miles

These problems were serious enough to result in extended warranties and class-action settlements in some cases. Newer Nissan CVTs (2019 and newer) show improvement, but long-term reliability data is still developing.

How Other Brands Compare

• Toyota & Honda: Generally strong CVT reliability, especially in hybrids
• Subaru: Mixed results; early Lineartronic CVTs had complaints, later versions improved
• Mitsubishi: Some issues in budget models, fewer reports overall than Nissan

In short, design, torque limits, and cooling systems matter more than the CVT label alone.

How to Extend the Life of a CVT

Despite the myth of “lifetime fluid,” most transmission specialists agree that maintenance is critical.

• Change CVT fluid every 30,000–50,000 miles
• Use only manufacturer-specified CVT fluid
• Avoid aggressive acceleration and heavy towing
• Watch for early warning signs like whining, slipping, or shuddering
• Keep the vehicle’s cooling system in good condition
• Verify service records before buying a used CVT vehicle

Neglecting fluid service is one of the fastest ways to shorten a CVT’s lifespan.

CVT vs Dual-Clutch Transmission

Feature CVT Dual-Clutch (DCT) Gear changes Continuous Fixed gears Driving feel Smooth, no shifts Fast, sporty shifts Fuel economy Often better Good, performance-focused Reliability Varies by brand/year Can be complex or jerky

Final Takeaway

CVTs aren’t inherently bad — but early designs and poor maintenance gave some brands a lasting reputation problem. Buyers should focus on:

• Specific model years
• Service history
• Driving habits
• Whether the CVT is a traditional belt-driven unit or a hybrid eCVT

When properly designed and maintained, a CVT can deliver excellent efficiency and long service life — especially in modern hybrids.

According to Consumer Reports reliability data , CVT performance varies significantly by manufacturer and model year.

Drivers can also research real-world issues through the NHTSA vehicle complaint database , which tracks owner-reported transmission problems.

For more automotive explainers, visit our The Knowledge section on STM Daily News.

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