Every night before going to bed, 27-year-old Nancy Liu places a small, warm device beside her pillow. It breathes softly, responds when she speaks, and remembers how her mood shifts from one day to the next.
“It feels like something is waiting for me,” she said. “Not judging, not rushing – just there.”
Ms. Liu is not describing a pet or a person, but an artificial intelligence companion toy – part of a quietly growing product category designed for long-term companionship. These AI devices learn users’ habits and emotions over time, offering a steady sense of presence in moments of loneliness.
The rising consumer interest was on full display at the recently concluded CES 2026 tech show in Las Vegas, Nevada, where about 60 AI toy and companion robot companies participated, more than 80 per cent of them from China.
Among the blinking, talking, and rolling devices on display, one product drew particular attention. Billed as the world’s first emotionally intelligent and “physically growing” AI pocket pet, Sweekar captured sustained interest from visitors.
Unlike traditional virtual pets, the palm-sized device evolves through distinct physical stages – egg, baby, teen, and adult – mirroring the passage of time. It also simulates body warmth and gentle breathing rhythms to heighten realism, said Irving Gao, founder and CEO of Shenzhen-based start-up Takway.AI, which developed Sweekar.
“This physical growth unfolds in sync with the AI companion’s emotional development, personality formation, and depth of interaction,” Mr. Gao said. “Together, they create a long-term companionship experience built around emotional connection with users.”
Takway.AI plans to launch Sweekar on a crowdfunding platform between April and May, with an estimated price range of US$150 to US$200.
Sweekar’s debut is part of a broader surge in AI toys. Data from e-commerce platform Taobao show that transaction volumes for AI toys jumped more than 1,600 per cent year-on-year in 2025, placing the category among the platform’s annual top 10 for the first time. On JD.com, AI toy sales in 2025 approached 700 million yuan (S$127 million), with nearly seven million units sold.
“AI-powered toys have clear potential as a new driver of consumption,” said Jiang Han, senior analyst at market consultancy Pangoal. “They blend emotional consumption with technology, tapping multiple trillion-yuan markets – from children’s education and Gen Z emotional needs to the silver economy – and could become the next growth engine after smart home devices.”
For many elderly users, companionship begins with being understood. JD.com’s Chatty Parrot AI robot chats in familiar dialects, reminds users about health routines, and fills quiet afternoons with beloved operas and classic storytelling. Priced at just 159 yuan, it also offers emergency alerts, access to JD Health services, and activity updates shared with family members – blending warmth with reassurance.
Younger consumers, meanwhile, are drawn to softer, tactile experiences. Shanghai-based start-up Robopoet’s Fuzozo – a purring, plush AI companion priced around 400 yuan – responds to touch, reacts with subtle sounds, and offers comfort without demands. The toy quickly resonated with Gen Z shoppers, topping AI toy sales rankings on JD and Tmall during the 2025 Double 11 festival.
“Demand is becoming clearly segmented across children, young adults, and seniors,” said Mr. Jiang. “Market education is beginning to take effect, and consumer awareness is taking shape.”
As AI companion toys gain traction, they are transforming the way technology intersects with everyday life, offering not only entertainment but also emotional connection, comfort, and practical support.
