AI Pets Gain Popularity in China as Emotional Support Companions

Rise of AI Pets in China

In a growing trend across China, young people are turning to AI-powered pets for emotional support and companionship. These "smart pets" are becoming increasingly popular as the technology matures and gains wider acceptance 1

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BooBoo: The AI Companion

One such AI pet, BooBoo, resembles a guinea pig and is produced by Hangzhou Genmoor Technology. Retailing for up to 1,400 yuan ($190), BooBoo has sold about 1,000 units since May 2025. The device was developed with children's social needs in mind, according to product manager Adam Duan 1

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Personal Experience: Zhang Yachun's Story

Zhang Yachun, a 19-year-old from Beijing, has found solace in her AI pet, which she named "Aluo." Struggling with anxiety and forming deep friendships, Zhang says her life has become easier since purchasing BooBoo. She treats Aluo as a confidant, even buying it a tiny winter coat and taking it on outings 1

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Market Growth and Societal Shifts

The global market for "social robots" like BooBoo is expected to grow significantly, reaching $42.5 billion by 2033, according to consulting firm IMARC Group. Asia is already dominating this sector 1

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Experts attribute this growth to various social shifts in China, including:

1. The impact of the one-child policy
2. Economic pressures on young adults
3. Increased work stress
4. Higher living costs

These factors have led to reduced personal interactions and a search for alternative ways to meet emotional needs 1

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AI Pets for Families

Some families are considering AI pets as companions for their children. Guo Zichen, 33, sees potential in smart pets to assist with childcare and education. Weilan, a tech company, offers an AI dog called "BabyAlpha" priced between 8,000 and 26,000 yuan. The company reports that 70% of buyers are families with young children 1

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Psychological Impact and Trust in AI

Professor Wu Haiyan, specializing in AI and psychology at the University of Macau, notes that AI companions provide cognitive stimulation and can enhance the well-being of isolated individuals. Interestingly, in some cases, people show more trust in AI than in humans 1

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Generational Communication Challenges

Zhang's experience highlights a generational shift in communication. She finds it easier to open up to her AI pet and subsequently to her parents. This reflects a broader trend among young Chinese who often struggle with face-to-face communication 1

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As AI pets continue to evolve and gain popularity, they are becoming an intriguing solution to combat social isolation and provide emotional support in China's changing social landscape.