Storyline: AI toys expand fan base in China [Voice_over] China's AI toy market is experiencing robust growth this year, with sales volumes rising substantially. Unlike traditional toys, those with AI are fitted with emotion recognition capabilities, contextual memory, and adaptive learning technologies which delivers a highly interactive experience. In one trendy tech store in Shenzhen's Nanshan District, customers young and old are enthusiastically interacting with the toys. One professional said they're considering an AI toy instead of a pet because it better suits their busy lifestyle. [Sound_bite] Consumer: "Since I'm a big animal lover and really enjoy pets, but my busy work schedule makes it difficult to have a real one, an AI-powered pet or robotic companion would be a perfect entertainment partner for me." [Voice_over] The store has over 30 types of AI toys on offer, and they're constantly adding new models. One staff member said sales have been increasing month by month since the start of this year. [Sound_bite] Liu Xiliang, staffer, high-tech flagship store: "AI chess and companion robots are a major draw, often drawing crowds like a mini expo. They attract all ages from kids as young as three to adults in their 40s and 50s. Our top-selling model moves about 100 units a month" [Voice_over] Meanwhile, the sector is attracting more merchants due to the lucrative prices for AI toys which can fetch anywhere from 50 U.S. dollars, to several hundreds. [Sound_bite] Ding Juan, General Manager of Toys & Musical Instruments, JD Retail Superstores and Grocery Business Unit: "Sales of AI toys have been exceptionally strong this year. Since late last year, consumer searches for AI toys have grown rapidly, attracting around five to six thousand merchants to enter this market." [Voice_over] According to data from China's largest online retailer JD.com, sales of AI toys surged sixfold month-on-month in the first half of 2025, with year-on-year growth exceeding 200 percent. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]