A Chinese company is taking artificial intelligence (AI) into a new direction by launching realistic AI-powered sex dolls designed to mimic human emotions and respond to conversations. 

The MetaBox doll series, created by WMdoll in Zhongshan, Guangdong province, is designed to fulfill both physical and emotional needs.

These AI-enhanced dolls, equipped with open-source technology, can engage in conversations, identify emotions, and respond to touch, making the experience more lifelike for users.

Sold out quickly in International markets

After initial testing overseas, the company released 200 units of the MetaBox dolls in North America, Japan, and Europe. Priced between $1,600 and $2,000, they quickly sold out. Higher-end models, offering even more human-like AI functions, are available online for around $3,000.

“Traditional adult dolls generally aim at fulfilling basic physical needs, but AI gives them emotional value,” said Liu Jiangxia, founder of WMdoll.

Customizable features and AI capabilities

The MetaBox dolls offer various customizable options, including different heights, skin textures, and external features. Users can also pay for advanced AI features that include a large language model (LLM), the same technology used in services like ChatGPT.

“Users need to pay a subscription fee, starting at $100 for the first year, if they want to experience all the AI interactive functions of the models tested,” Liu explained.

The dolls come with eight personalities and six different professional representations, such as teacher, nurse, businessperson, police officer, doctor, and secretary. They also support multiple languages, including English, French, Japanese, German, Korean, and Spanish.

Advanced sensors and interaction capabilities

Each AI doll has 32 wireless sensors that allow it to engage in extended conversations and respond to touch. Their personalities are not limited by gender and can be adjusted according to user preferences.

As demand for the dolls grows overseas, WMdoll expects sales to increase by 30% annually. “We are currently accelerating data iteration and making production capacity adjustments to meet the increased overseas demand,” Liu added.

While the MetaBox dolls are currently sold only outside China, the company is collaborating with local AI service providers to create a version for the domestic market.

From TPE models to AI innovations

WMdoll, founded in 2010, initially produced soft thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) models used in human body replicas. By 2012, the company had shifted its focus to TPE-based adult dolls, following customer demand for lifelike products.

“Our customers were keen on buying TPE models of body parts that look and feel human. So we expanded into making TPE sex dolls,” Liu said.

WMdoll collaborated with Shenzhen-based Mind with Heart Robotics to enhance its dolls with emotional facial expressions and physiological data integration.

This innovation aims to enhance not just physical interaction but also the psychological connection between users and AI dolls.

“We will continue exploring technological innovations in the sex doll industry, as we are aimed not only at satisfying physical needs but also the psychological needs of our users,” Liu said.

Growing market for adult toys in China

A report by iiMedia Research showed that China’s adult toy market reached a value of 130 billion yuan ($17.88 billion) in 2023 and is projected to almost double by year-end. WMdoll is preparing to meet rising demand by advancing its AI capabilities and expanding production.

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