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.
Companion robots enjoy surging popularity in China
As China ushered in the Year of the Horse, horse-themed cultural and creative products are riding a wave of popularity nationwide, featuring intangible cultural heritage crafts, trendy toy designs, and best wishes.
In Baigou Town of north China's Hebei Province, a sleek black horse plush toy has become a breakout hit in the local Spring Festival market. Featuring a dynamic posture and jet-black design, the product has emerged as one of the best-sellers, with orders booked through the end of March.
"We want to share the message with young consumers that everyone can be a 'dark horse,'" said Li Hui, co-founder of the plush toy brand.
In Zhenjiang City of east China's Jiangsu Province, the centuries-old Taiping Clay Whistle craft, an intangible heritage tradition dating back more than 2,000 years, has also embraced the zodiac theme. Artisans have created distinctive black clay ponies that double as whistles, attracting tourists to purchase them or try their hand at making their own crafts.
"The little horse I made is called 'Good things ride in right away,' Since it's the New Year, I painted it red. It looks very festive," said a young participant named Zuo Shiqi.
In Longyou Town, east China's Zhejiang Province, orders for bamboo-woven horse-themed creations covering a wide range of sizes have already been filled through the holiday season. In a local showroom, a newly launched 2.2-meter-tall sculpture of a galloping horse has become an eye-catcher. Its elaborate design draws inspiration from traditional brocade motifs, showcasing finely woven, three-dimensional patterns.
Meanwhile, in Zhejiang's Longquan City, the historic home of Longquan celadon, artisans are blending horse imagery into traditional celadon works, making them standout items at local markets.
"I just saw an amazing piece of artifact. There are so many little horses on it. It feels like traditional Chinese culture is woven into the design, and expressed through celadon to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It is truly refreshing," said a tourist named Chen Fengyan.
Horse-themed cultural products gain popularity across China in Year of Horse
