Manufacturers are betting on a more "cute" design.
At the API Expo international exhibition in Shanghai, manufacturers presented dozens of new products. According to organizer Pan Chunhui, the main word of this year has been artificial intelligence, reports zdfheute.de.
Companies are integrating AI into various devices. In particular, this concerns sex dolls, which are becoming more "human-like" thanks to voice and interactive features.
China as the "Factory of the World" for Intimate Products
The sex toy market has long surpassed the niche segment. Today, it is a billion-dollar business with global supplies.
Financial analyst Guo Shilian from the Jing platform notes that China maintains its status as the main manufacturing center and remains a key link in the global supply chain.
Kristof Schobert, a representative of the British company Lovehoney, confirms that the market cannot function without Chinese manufacturing capabilities. However, he believes that the widespread distribution of expensive AI dolls will take several more years.
The Influence of Japan and New Formats
The industry is also oriented towards Japanese pop culture. For example, the popularity of manga-style dolls is growing.
Lin Guanzhi, head of the company Elsa Babe, reported that the firm is implementing AI-based voice functions. This allows users to interact with the device almost as if it were a live conversation partner.
Moreover, manufacturers are betting on a more "cute" design. This simplifies promotion on social media, where there are restrictions on explicit content.
Main market trends:
- integration of artificial intelligence into devices;
- development of interactive voice functions;
- growth of the male audience segment;
- popularity of manga style;
- shift in design towards a more neutral image.
From Taboo to Market Growth
Despite its scale, the topic has long remained sensitive in China. The production and distribution of pornography are prohibited by law and can lead to criminal liability.
The first sex shop in Beijing opened only in the early 1990s. Later, in 2003, authorities relaxed regulations on adult products and stopped categorizing them as a special category.
It was after this that the market began to expand actively. As a result, China has become not only the largest producer but also one of the fastest-growing markets in the world.
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