"Among them is the country's embrace of human-like AI systems, which are increasingly being embedded in cuddly, commercial, transactable toys - for adults, strikingly, in addition to children - at the same time that state regulators are considering a broader crackdown on that exact type of tech. New reporting by China Daily reveals the rise of AI companion toys among adults in China, a trend emerging as more of the country's citizens live alone than ever before."
"At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, there were some 60 AI toy companions on display. Per China Daily, Chinese companies represented about 80 percent of them. From the egg-shelled Sweekar AI pocket pet to the fuzzy Fuzozo and the autonomously roving TCL AiMe, AI toys are taking China by storm. China Daily reported that transaction volumes for AI toys on the e-commerce giant Taobao jumped by over 1,600 percent in 2025."
China is governed by a communist party that has embraced market forces as part of a long transition away from capitalism. The country exhibits ideological tension and an embrace of human-like AI systems embedded in cuddly, commercial toys for adults and children. Rising numbers of citizens living alone have driven demand for AI companion toys offering simulated breathing, heating, and round-the-clock casual conversation. CES 2026 showcased about 60 AI toy companions, roughly 80 percent from Chinese firms. Taobao transaction volumes for AI toys jumped over 1,600 percent in 2025, while JD.com sales of the Laolao Parrot approached seven million units at about 159 yuan. State regulators are considering broader crackdowns, creating tension between commercial success and regulatory scrutiny.
Read at Futurism
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