Chinese devices with AI acquire reputation

Inside a brightly lit toy store in Yiwu International Trade City, Sun Lijuan fielded a world name from an abroad shopper, confirming a last-minute order for a batch of AI-guided dolls. 

“They all want their shipments before impending Christmas,” she stated, smiling as she checked her stock checklist. September and October are the busiest months of the 12 months, and this season, AI dolls — able to talking a number of languages, recognizing human faces and responding to the touch — have change into the most popular objects amongst international patrons.

Sun Lijuan (left), proprietor of Hongsheng Toys, and an worker converse with a world purchaser throughout a video name in Yiwu, East China’s Zhejiang province, on Sept 26, 2025, coordinating freight pace forward of the Christmas season. Photo: Zhang Yiyi/GT

The cabinets behind her are stacked with lots of of newest fashions: from palm-sized kittens and puppies to just about half-human-sized humanoid dolls in several pores and skin tones and outfits. Each is embedded with microchips that allow voice conversations in additional than 10 languages, together with English, French, and Spanish. 

“They can interact when you pat them, talk to them, or even frown at them,” Sun stated. “It’s no longer just a toy — it’s an emotional companion.”

Smart improve, world attain

Sun Lijuan, proprietor of Hongsheng Toys, was among the many first in Yiwu to combine AI in processing commerce. She and her husband started from a 13-square-meter stall promoting plush toys in 2010. “I wanted to make dolls, he wanted to make robotic dogs — so we decided to combine the two,” she recalled. That concept led to their first AI doll, embedding a processor chip into a conventional toy that assist them to open a brand new market area of interest.

Across Yiwu’s huge buying and selling hub, related transformations are unfolding.

Citronics (Yiwu) Co has turned the standard backpack into a trendy gadget. Its LED sensible backpacks can sync with smartphones to show customized designs or selfies — a function notably liked by younger customers in South America and elsewhere.

At East Chini Electronics, gross sales staff reveal a palm-sized AI translator supporting as many as 27 languages. It works each on-line and offline, offering real-time translation at a fraction of main manufacturers’ costs.

Wang Junwen, CEO of Yangyang Digital Technology Co, stated that her agency launched AI-powered sensible glasses in April focusing on abroad markets. “We get the most inquiries from India and Spanish-speaking countries like Colombia and Chile,” Wang famous.

The glasses present real-time voice translation, images, and recording in 18 languages. In June, an Indian businessman positioned an order for 850 pairs, with complete gross sales now exceeding 30,000 items.

In one other store, a furry AI companion formed like a pet sits on the counter, responding to the touch. “It can answer questions, show emotions, and even comfort people,” stated Li Jun, supervisor of Xiaole Intelligence. “It’s not only for kids — many adults also love it.”

Libyan patrons negotiate with a provider over the acquisition of AI-powered smartphone stabilizers at Yiwu International Trade City in Jinhua, East China’s Zhejiang Province, on April 15, 2025. Photo: VCG

Redefining ‘Made in China’

E-commerce information, gross sales of AI toys in China surged virtually sixfold within the first half of 2025, with year-on-year development exceeding 200 p.c. The shopper base has broadened from youngsters to all age teams.

Zhang Yi, CEO of the iiMedia Research Institute, advised the Global Times that Yiwu’s transformation displays a broader nationwide development. “Yiwu’s small commodities were once defined by low price and fast supply,” he stated. “But as profit margins shrank and products homogeneity increased, upgrading through technology became essential. By integrating AI technology, small commodities are now moving up the value chain.”

He added that including AI components will assist Chinese merchandise higher resonate with world customers. “Foreign buyers are drawn to novelty and interactivity,” Zhang stated. “China’s strong AI foundation gives Yiwu a natural edge in combining advanced technology with creativity — redefining ‘Made in China’ as smart, green, connected, and emotionally engaging.”

Sun stated she and lots of Yiwu retailers should not solely promoting AI-powered merchandise but additionally utilizing AI instruments for designing, advertising, and routine enterprise operations, making a “one-stop” AI-assisted enterprise mannequin.

Liu Dingding, a Beijing-based know-how analyst, advised the Global Times that Yiwu’s energy lies in its early and agile embrace of digital options. “Long before the AI boom, many Yiwu merchants were already heavy users of emerging tech innovations,” he stated. “More than 20 years ago, they were among China’s first to go online and join e-commerce platforms. When livestreaming took off, they quickly adapted and became some of the earliest small-business live-streamers.”

Liu famous that the tech-savvy mindset has advanced naturally into the brand new AI period. “Now they’re integrating generative AI into every part of our operations — from production and marketing to customer service,” he defined. “Some use digital avatars to livestream 24/7, others rely on AI fitting models to showcase clothing or accessories, and translation powered by large language models enables seamless global sales. These merchants are turning digital innovation into real productivity gains.”

In Yiwu, greater than 30,000 retailers are integrating AI into designing, advertising, and manufacturing — turning what was as soon as a market for low-cost items right into a showcase of China’s sensible manufacturing, in keeping with native officers.

“The AI boom here feels like a scene from a sci-fi film,” Sun stated, as one other abroad cellphone name got here in. “Our dolls may be small, but they carry big dreams — proof that even the smallest products can reshape global trade when driven by innovation.”