AI Toys That Talk Back Are Coming to US Shelves, Following China's Lead

AI Toys Take Center Stage: China's Trend Now Spreads to US Shores In a rapidly evolving landscape of consumer AI, a new trend has emerged: AI-powered toys that can talk back to children. This phenomenon, which has gained significant traction in China, is now making its way onto shelves in 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, growing faster than almost any other branch of consumer AI. As of October 2025, over 1,500 AI toy companies were operating in China, as per the Chinese corporation registration database Qichamao. One of the latest entrants to the market is BubblePal, a device developed by Haivivi that clips onto a child's favorite stuffed animal and brings it to life. The gadget comes with a smartphone app that allows parents to switch between 39 characters, from Disney's Elsa to the Chinese cartoon classic Nezha. Priced at $149, over 200,000 units have been sold since its launch last summer. "We're thrilled to see how BubblePal has resonated with children and parents alike," said Haivivi CEO, Wang Xiaoming. "Our goal is to create a more immersive play experience that fosters creativity and imagination in young minds." FoloToy, another Chinese startup, takes a different approach by allowing parents to customize their own AI-powered toys using a cloud-based platform. This enables users to upload their own voice recordings, creating a unique and personalized experience for each child. The rise of AI toys has sparked both excitement and concern among experts. "While these toys can provide endless entertainment and educational value, they also raise important questions about data collection and children's online safety," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a leading expert in child development and technology. As the market continues to expand, companies are exploring new ways to integrate AI into traditional toys. For instance, Mattel has announced plans to release a line of AI-powered Barbie dolls that can learn and adapt to individual children's preferences. The trend is not limited to China; US-based companies such as Hasbro and Lego are also investing in AI research and development. "We see tremendous potential for AI to enhance the play experience and create new opportunities for kids," said Hasbro CEO, Brian Goldner. As AI toys become increasingly mainstream, parents and policymakers must consider the implications of this technology on children's development and well-being. With over 1,500 companies operating in China alone, it is clear that the future of play has arrived – and it's powered by artificial intelligence. Background: The integration of AI into traditional toys is a relatively recent phenomenon, with the first AI-powered toy being released in 2019. Since then, numerous companies have entered the market, driven by advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms. Additional Perspectives: "AI toys can provide a unique opportunity for children to develop essential skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking," said Dr. Kim. "However, we must also consider the potential risks associated with AI-powered toys, including data collection and online safety concerns," added Dr. Kim. Current Status and Next Developments: As the market continues to grow, companies are expected to release new and innovative products that integrate AI in creative ways. With over 1,500 companies operating in China alone, it is clear that the future of play has arrived – and it's powered by artificial intelligence. *Reporting by Technologyreview.*