The 2025 China Toy Expo, held in Shanghai from October 15-17, was dominated by AI-powered toys, with companies showcasing everything from voice-interactive robots to emotion-recognizing companions, signaling a major shift towards intelligent and immersive play experiences .
The table below summarizes some of the standout AI toys and technologies featured at the expo.
Product/Brand Key AI Features Notable Characteristics
Robosen's "Toy Story" Robots Voice interaction with original movie audio; custom movement design via app Celebrating 30th anniversary of "Toy Story"
SenseRobot's "Zootopia" Chess Robot Plays Chinese chess, Go, international chess, and Gomoku; includes tutorials Modeled after Officer Judy Hopps; educational focus
"Warm Star Valley" (恺英网络) Multi-modal interaction, long-term memory, voiceprint recognition, virtual game companion "Digital life form" concept; companion for 12-35 age group
Chongker AI Cat Responds to touch with realistic movements like purring and breathing High-end craft (USD $69); realistic companion experience
Xiongan Haifa "AI Kids" Series Interactive plush with smart learning and conversation Combines education and companionship
Xiaoying Magic Box (小鹰魔盒) Modular tech for hearing, speech, action, and vision in toys Provides core AI solutions for other manufacturers
Shifeng Culture's AI Feifei Rabbit Voice wake-up, dialogue interruption, emotional interaction Uses large language model for chatting with children
Jun'ou "Ledoudou AI" Multilingual dialogue (international version with ChatGPT, domestic with Doubao) Recognizes multiple Chinese dialects like Hunan and Sichuan
Minyue Workshop "Space Wanbao" Emotional companionship and knowledge Q&A with dual AI models Integrated with Doubao and deepseek AI models
Coreaccompany (芯伴科技) AI-powered interactive toys based on "Classic of Mountains and Seas" Original IP "Lingruiji"; smart base brings any figurine to life
? Trends Behind the Trend
The surge in AI toys at the expo reflects several key industry shifts:
"AI+IP" is the Winning Formula: A dominant strategy combines powerful AI with popular intellectual property (IP). Disney showcased this by pairing its iconic characters from "Toy Story," "Zootopia," and Marvel with advanced robotics from partners like Robosen and SenseTime . This fusion attracts fans of all ages and enhances storytelling.
The Rise of Emotional Companionship: Many new toys target the "emotional companionship" market. Brands like "Warm Star Valley" and Coreaccompany design their products as "digital life forms" that remember user preferences and build long-term relationships, catering not just to children but also to adults seeking comfort and interaction .
A Market for "Big Kids" (Kidults): Companies are explicitly targeting adult collectors. Disney's strategy, for instance, aims to serve both "nostalgic adults and younger consumers" with high-tech collectibles, expanding the traditional toy market .
Driving Regional Industrial Upgrades: The AI toy wave is influencing manufacturing hubs. For example, Dongguan's Chashan town, a major plush toy cluster, is implementing an "AI+IP" strategy, with 34 local companies showcasing AI-integrated products to transition from basic manufacturing to a high-value, innovation-driven model .
The 2025 China Toy Expo made it clear that AI is fundamentally changing the toy industry. These products are no longer static objects but are becoming interactive companions and creative partners.
Is there a particular type of AI toy, such as educational robots or companion pets, that you're more interested in? I can provide you with more detailed information if you'd like.
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