Chinese Adults Sleeping with AI Companion Toys
The rise of solitary living in China has exploded demand for AI toys that can talk, warm up, and simulate breathing among adults. However, this popularity clashes with new regulations being prepared against the risks of emotional manipulation.
A Technological Solution to Loneliness: AI Companions
In China, adults are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI)-powered toys into their daily lives and even sleep routines in response to rising rates of solitary living. According to a report by China Daily, many people, like 27-year-old Nancy Liu, say they sleep with these devices, which feature simulated breathing, a heating mechanism, and the ability to chat at any time of day.
Liu says, "It feels like there's something waiting for me. It's non-judgmental, not in a hurry, just there." These devices are marketed not just for children, but specifically for adults.
Market Boom and Dominance of Chinese Manufacturers
Demand has been reflected in record surges on e-commerce platforms. In 2025, transaction volume for AI toys on Taobao reportedly increased by over 1600%. On JD.com, approximately 7 million units of a toy called Laolao Parrot were sold. This figure is explained by each toy's accessible price of around 23 US Dollars.
Chinese companies hold a dominant position in the sector. At the CES 2026 fair held in Las Vegas, Chinese firms represented over 80% of the approximately 60 AI companion toys exhibited. A wide range of products, from the eggshell-designed Sweekar AI pocket pet to the furry Fuzozo and the autonomously moving TCL AiMe, are taking the Chinese market by storm.
Popularity Clashes with Potential Regulation
Despite this commercial success, AI companion toys appear to be on a potential collision course with new regulations being considered by lawmakers in Beijing. Just before the new year, following reports of sometimes serious mental health issues linked to AI use worldwide, the Cyberspace Administration of China proposed a series of reforms aimed at ensuring AI developers protect consumers' mental health from chatbot interactions.
Although not yet enacted into law, these regulations would be comprehensive. They aim to hold Chinese tech companies accountable for AIs that produce content promoting suicide, self-harm, gambling, obscenity, violence, or are found to manipulate users' emotions. While it remains a question whether such broad AI behaviors can be controlled, the real test will be whether Beijing can reconcile its regulatory goals with a consumer market that has purchased millions of these toys.
These developments reflect the global debate on AI ethics and regulation. Similarly, a former Google engineer being found guilty of transferring AI secrets to China had also brought issues of technology competition and security to the fore. China had signaled its regulatory approach in this area in recent months by announcing that all AI-generated materials online must be labeled.
