Companion robots enjoy surging popularity in China
Companion robots, which are usually tiny and adorable AI-powered devices, are making their way into the mainstream in China.
These smart devices are small in size, sometimes covered with fur, much like pets, and they can have conversations and provide emotional support.
At a robot consumer experience store in Beijing, over 20 companion robots are attracting attention. Primarily focused on education and emotional companionship, many parents say the devices can help them in answering some of their children's basic questions.
"Its level of intelligence is quite high, because it integrates large-scale AI models. It can replace parents in answering many of the child's questions and can also interact with the child," said a consumer.
Companion robots have a variety of functions and are popular among different age groups, and prices are reasonable, according to a store staff member.
"There are over 20 AI companion products in our store now. When parents purchase AI companion robots, they are more inclined to spend for educational purposes. For younger groups, it's more about fulfilling their own emotional needs. Products priced around 500 yuan (about 72.37 U.S.dollars) sell particularly well," said the shop manager Zhang Lulu.
The World Robotics 2025 Report shows that China has been the world's largest industrial robot market for 11 straight years and now holds more than 190,000 valid robotics patents, nearly two thirds of the global total.
"Currently, over 100 robot manufacturers have partnered with JD.com. Taking last year's 'Double 11' shopping festival as an example, the entire intelligent robot category saw a fivefold year-on-year growth rate. The overall market growth is extremely rapid, which has exceeded our expectations," said Zheng Xiaodan, general manager of the embodied intelligence business department of JD.com.
