AI pets emerge as new form of companionship in China
- Chris McMillan
- Jun 1
- 1 min read
Xinhua
1st June 2025
AI pets emerge as new form of companionship in China
Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
Zhou Yushu, co-founder of ROPET and a professor at Renmin University of China, poses for photos with AI pet products he has developed, in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Ma Sijia)
by Xinhua writers Yue Yuanyuan, Ma Sijia, Chen Shengwei
On a typical workday in Beijing, a soft hum rises from 26-year-old Wang Tongtong's desk, not from her phone or computer but from a small grey creature nestled beside her keyboard.
The creature is no ordinary toy -- it's an AI pet. With plush fur, oversized blinking eyes, and synthetic skin that radiates a gentle warmth, it tilts its head toward her, emitting a faint whimper and leaning into her touch like a needy kitten.
"It comforts me when I feel anxious," Wang said. "Real cats and dogs can be messy and moody, but this one just quietly stays by my side."