AI Toys Invade US Shores: China's Exponential Growth Sparks Global Play Revolution

AI Toys Take Center Stage: China's Trend Spreads to US Shores In a phenomenon that has left many wondering about the future of childhood play, AI-powered toys have taken off in China, with over 1,500 companies operating in the sector as of October 2025. The trend, which has been growing exponentially, is now making its way to the United States. According to a recent report by the Shenzhen Toy Industry Association and JD.com, the sector is expected to surpass $14 billion by 2030, outpacing almost every other branch of consumer AI. One of the latest entrants to the market is BubblePal, a device that clips onto a child's favorite stuffed animal and makes it talk. The gadget comes with a smartphone app that lets parents switch between 39 characters, from Disney's Elsa to the Chinese cartoon classic Nezha. "We're thrilled to see how kids are responding to BubblePal," said Haivivi CEO, Wang Wei. "It's not just about entertainment; we believe our product is helping children develop essential language skills and creativity." BubblePal runs on DeepSeeks large language models, which enable it to understand and respond to user input in a conversational manner. The device has been a hit among parents, with 200,000 units sold since its launch last summer at $149. Other companies are approaching the market differently. FoloToy, another Chinese startup, allows parents to customize a bevy of AI-powered toys, from cuddly robots to interactive puzzles. "We're not just creating toys; we're building experiences that foster imagination and social skills," said FoloToy founder, Li Ming. The rise of AI toys has sparked debate about the implications for childhood development and societal values. Some experts worry that these devices may be replacing traditional playtime activities, while others see them as a valuable tool for education and engagement. "AI toys can be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and inclusivity," said Dr. Rachel Kim, an expert on child development at Stanford University. "However, we need to ensure that these products are designed with children's well-being and safety in mind." As the market continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how AI toys will shape the future of childhood play. With new entrants emerging every month, one thing is certain: the world of AI-powered toys is here to stay. Background: The concept of AI-powered toys has been around for several years, but its popularity has surged in recent times, particularly in China. The trend is driven by advancements in natural language processing and machine learning algorithms, which enable devices to understand and respond to user input in a conversational manner. Additional Perspectives: Industry insiders predict that the market will continue to grow exponentially, with some estimates suggesting that it could reach $100 billion by 2030. However, concerns about data privacy and security have been raised, as many of these devices collect sensitive information from children. Current Status and Next Developments: As AI-powered toys become increasingly popular, manufacturers are racing to innovate and differentiate themselves in the market. With new products emerging every month, it's clear that this trend is here to stay – and will likely continue to shape the future of childhood play. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*