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AsianFin -- A Chinese company, WMDoll, has launched a new sex doll capable of speaking and comforting men suffering from premature ejaculation, thanks to the AI technology.
The doll series that features an advanced AI system is called MetaBox, which are responsive to to its users in an empathetic manner.
The doll series is programmed to offer emotional support, including reassuring men who may climax prematurely by offering words of encouragement. Instead of showing disappointment, the doll responds with phrases like, “It doesn't matter, two minutes is awesome.”
When DeepSeek, China's answer to OpenAI's ChatGPT, went viral, few expected the first industry to ride its coattails would be sex dolls. But here the AI dolls are: Chinese companies are leveraging AI to lead the the global industry, leaving behind the Japanese peers
Traditionally, sex dolls have been dismissed as "cold companions" due to their lack of interactivity and high price tags. But generative AI has changed the game.
In addition to its emotional support, the AI dolls have a long-term memory function, allowing them to engage in ongoing conversations with users for up to three months. Users can choose from eight different personalities, including gentle and lively options, to suit their preferences. It even provides emotional support, such as reminding users to play games when they're feeling down.
WMDoll, based in Guangdong province, has also worked on improving the doll's realism. The new version features lifelike movements such as blinking, and its silicone skin provides a soft, realistic touch.
Understandably, the high-tech MetaBox dolls come at a premium price, with costs starting at around $1,900, according to reports.
Launched in December 2023, the MetaBox dolls are integrated with generative AI models like DeepSeek, ChatGPT, and Llama.
The dolls sold out almost instantly in North America, Japan, and Europe, with users praising their lifelike features and emotional intelligence.
WMDoll estimates a 30% sales growth this year, and investors are already piling in. Stocks of AI sex doll-related companies like Guibao Technology, Qushui Technology, and Aimer Group have surged.
WMDoll has also disrupted pricing. While high-end Japanese dolls once dominated the market with prices ranging from $11,000 to $14,500, WMDoll's MetaBox is priced at just $1,500 to $2,000.
The company has introduced a subscription model, charging $100 to $200 annually for continued AI interaction. Without a subscription, the doll essentially becomes a "mute" version of itself.
While the MetaBox is currently popular overseas, it's set to launch in China by mid-2024, with adjustments to comply with local regulations. Domestic consumers are already buzzing with excitement.
One user joked online: "When I underperform, my girlfriend scolds me, but the doll comforts me by saying, 'It doesn't matter, two minutes is awesome.'"
Chen Yu, a 33-year-old programmer from Beijing, shared, "I've always dreamed of having a perfect robot girlfriend, and now it's possible. She won't complain about my overtime and can even discuss code with me."
For others, like 36-year-old Wang Hao, an internet operations manager with social anxiety, the doll offers emotional solace. "Relationships are exhausting. At least the doll won't leave me or blame me for saying the wrong thing," he said.
As China's marriage and birth rates continue to decline, more people are turning to pet ownership for companionship. With shifting social values, rising living costs, and career pressures discouraging young adults from starting families, cats and dogs have become increasingly popular as emotional companions. Pet ownership has surged in urban areas, with many treating their pets as family members, reflecting a broader societal shift towards alternative forms of companionship and fulfillment.
Even women are showing interest. Zhang Wei, a 35-year-old creative director in Shanghai, said, "I need companionship and emotional support. The idea of coming home to someone who asks how my day was and comforts me when I'm sad is very appealing."
Despite the excitement, the rise of AI sex dolls raises significant ethical and regulatory questions. Critics argue that these dolls could blur the line between humans and objects, potentially reinforcing unhealthy power dynamics and commodifying women's bodies.
There are also concerns about emotional dependency. Some users have reportedly become so attached to their AI companions that they've withdrawn from real-world social interactions. In extreme cases, there have been reports of users considering quitting their jobs or even committing suicide due to AI-induced emotional manipulation.
Data privacy is another major issue. These dolls collect sensitive user data, including biometric information and emotional preferences, which could be misused if leaked.
The global sex robot market is projected to exceed $30 billion by 2025, with China accounting for over 40% of the market. As AI continues to evolve, these dolls are likely to find applications beyond adult entertainment, such as providing emotional support for people with disabilities or addressing loneliness among the elderly.
However, as with any disruptive technology, the key lies in responsible application and regulation. While AI sex dolls may fill emotional voids, they also risk deepening them. As one industry insider put it, "Technology itself is neutral, but its impact depends on how we use it."
In the meantime, WMDoll and its competitors are betting big on the future of AI companionship—and consumers, both in China and abroad, seem ready to embrace it.
