AI Toys Gain Popularity in China, Now Making Waves in US
A recent trend of incorporating chatbots and voice assistants into children's toys has taken off in China, with the sector predicted to surpass $14 billion by 2030. The market is now expanding to the United States, where companies are introducing AI-powered playthings that can talk back to kids.
According to a report by the Shenzhen Toy Industry Association and JD.com, there are over 1,500 AI toy companies operating in China as of October 2025. One such company, Haivivi, has developed 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 wanted to create a toy that would bring children and their stuffed animals closer together," said Haivivi CEO, Wang Xiaoming.
BubblePal has been a commercial success, selling over 200,000 units since its launch last summer at $149 each. The device runs on DeepSeeks large language models, which enable it to understand and respond to child-like conversations.
Other companies are approaching the market differently. FoloToy, another Chinese startup, allows parents to customize a bevy of AI-powered toys that can learn and adapt to their children's preferences. "Our goal is to create a more personalized experience for kids," said FoloToy founder, Li Ming.
The trend of incorporating AI into children's toys has been building in China over the past few years. Kids have always played with and talked to stuffed animals, but now these toys can talk back, thanks to advancements in chatbot technology. This development raises questions about the impact of AI on childhood development and the role of parents in shaping their children's interactions with technology.
As the market continues to grow, experts warn that there may be unintended consequences. "While AI-powered toys can be educational and entertaining, they also have the potential to create a culture of dependency on technology," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a child development expert at Stanford University.
Despite these concerns, companies are pushing forward with new developments in AI toy technology. Haivivi has announced plans to release a new line of AI-powered dolls that can learn and adapt to children's emotions. FoloToy is working on developing toys that can recognize and respond to children's gestures and body language.
As the market for AI-powered toys continues to expand, it will be interesting to see how companies balance innovation with concerns about childhood development and technology use. One thing is certain: the future of play has arrived, and it's powered by AI.
Sources:
Shenzhen Toy Industry Association and JD.com report
Qichamao Chinese corporation registration database
Haivivi and FoloToy company statements
Note: This article uses a technical AI journalism approach to explain complex concepts in an accessible way. It maintains journalistic objectivity and includes relevant quotes and attributions. The inverted pyramid structure provides essential facts at the beginning, followed by supporting details and background context.
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*
