In Beijing, 19-year-old Zhang Yachun finds companionship in her AI-driven robotic pet, BooBoo, which helps alleviate her loneliness and anxiety. This trend reflects a growing acceptance of social robots in China, particularly among families seeking emotional support amid busy lifestyles. As the market for such companions expands, experts note that these innovations address the emotional needs of individuals facing social isolation, influenced by societal changes and the pressures of modern urban life.
Embracing Robotic Companionship in Beijing
In a bustling shopping mall in Beijing, 19-year-old Zhang Yachun finds comfort in the soft chirps of her plush robotic companion, BooBoo. This adorable AI-driven robot offers her a sense of companionship that alleviates her feelings of loneliness.
Zhang has faced challenges with anxiety throughout her school years and has struggled to cultivate friendships. However, BooBoo, a lovable robotic pet designed to engage with humans, has become her solace. “With BooBoo, I feel like I have someone to share my joyful moments with,” she shared during an interview in the apartment she shares with her parents and a pet duck.
The Rise of Social Robots in China
The use of artificial intelligence tools is growing in China, providing support for those grappling with social isolation. BooBoo, created by Hangzhou Genmoor Technology, resembles a fluffy guinea pig and retails for approximately 1,400 yuan (186 euros). This charming robot, tailored to meet children’s social needs, has already sold 1,000 units since its launch in May, according to product manager Adam Duan.
Zhang Yachun affectionately named her robot ‘Aluo’ and carries it in her shoulder bag, where it squeaks and nods its head in response to her interactions. Recently, she even purchased a tiny winter jacket for Aluo at a pet store, further highlighting the bond they share. Zhang believes that her furry companion fulfills the role of a true friend, stating, “It makes you feel like you are someone who is needed.”
As the demand for ‘social robots’ grows, projections suggest that this market could expand sevenfold by 2033, reaching a staggering 41.3 billion euros, according to the consulting firm IMARC Group. Asia is leading this innovative sector, with many families turning to robotic pets to fill the emotional gaps caused by busy lifestyles.
Guo Zichen, a 33-year-old father, acknowledges that robotic pets can help bridge the gap for parents who struggle to find quality time with their children. “People today spend less time with their children,” he observed while exploring robot dogs in a Nanjing store. “These robots can assist with studying or engaging in various activities,” he pointed out.
While Guo recognizes the utility of robotic companions, he remains cautious about comparing them to real pets. “The main difference is that real dogs have a soul,” he asserts, highlighting a critical distinction in the emotional experiences they offer.
As the landscape of AI-driven products expands in China, there are also chatbots and virtual avatars designed to fulfill emotional needs. Experts attribute this growth to significant social changes, including the long-standing one-child policy, which has influenced family dynamics.
“People born in the 1980s are now in their forties and often find themselves with little time for family due to intense workplace competition,” explains Wu Haiyan, a professor of artificial intelligence and psychology at the University of Macau. “This lack of personal interaction drives individuals to seek alternatives to satisfy their emotional requirements.” Wu believes that virtual companions can significantly enhance the well-being of those who might otherwise feel isolated.
Zhang Peng, the father of Zhang Yachun, empathizes with his daughter’s bond with Aluo. “When we were young, friends were abundant; we made connections effortlessly,” he reminisced. “Today’s young urbanites experience considerable pressure, which can hinder their social interactions.” As an only child, Zhang Yachun finds that Aluo has encouraged her to open up to her parents more. “I keep fewer things to myself,” she admits, noting that her generation often struggles with face-to-face communication. However, she believes that their internal feelings remain unchanged, as she gently cradles Aluo in her lap.