Producers at Hong Kong toy fair bet on AI-powered plushies to double sales
Dog and cat plushies powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help double sales this year, manufacturers at Asia’s largest toy fair in Hong Kong have said, while some buyers have expressed concerns about using the technology in play items for children. These hi-tech dolls were among the highlights at the 52nd edition of the Hong…
Dog and cat plushies powered by artificial intelligence (AI) could help double sales this year, manufacturers at Asia’s largest toy fair in Hong Kong have said, while some buyers have expressed concerns about using the technology in play items for children.
These hi-tech dolls were among the highlights at the 52nd edition of the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, which runs alongside several other trade shows until Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
Vegas Yeung, owner of Aida Tech Limited, said on Monday that AI stuffed toys in the shape of dogs or cats had been popular in mainland China in the past year. He was expecting business to double this year as he targeted relatively untapped overseas markets.
“My products used to sell for dozens of Hong Kong dollars and are now going for hundreds,” Yeung said, comparing traditional stuffed toys he produced with those equipped with AI capabilities.
He added that the market for “AI pets” on the mainland was more advanced than overseas, meaning the toys were a few generations ahead of those exported.
One AI cat doll sold by Yeung could purr when touched, and had movable feet, head and tail to interact with the user. These features addressed the human need for warmth, companionship and being understood, especially for the elderly who lived alone, he said.
