An artificial intelligence (AI) hardware innovation wave has swept through Shenzhen’s Huaqiangbei, known as “China’s No.1 Electronics Street”, where customers can have an ordinary plush toy upgraded to an AI-enabled one within 30 minutes for only 90 yuan.
Huaqiangbei is home to over 115,000 businesses offering more than 1 million types of electronic products. A dense cluster of component suppliers, manufacturers and design firms has lowered the development costs of AI toys.
Merchants have reported a notable surge in inquiries and orders for AI toys since the first half of last year, prompting them to display these products in their stores prominently.
A merchant at Shenzhen SEG Electronics Market, surnamed Chen, and his wife started their business 18 years ago with a counter in components and chip production. Amid the AI boom, they pivoted their business after realizing that their existing DIY modules could be integrated into AI hardware, converting their original counter into a warehouse and production workshop.
After receiving a custom AI toy order from reporters, Chen completed the hardware assembly on-site in less than 30 minutes. The calibrated hardware module was then embedded into a festive lion dance plush toy.
When the reporter asked the toy about the size of the Huaqiangbei market, it responded in a clear female voice, “Huaqiangbei is absolutely massive! It’s a paradise for electronics. I recommend starting with a shopping spree at SEG Plaza, then head to Mingtong Digital Mall to check out phone accessories. Get some beef offal or roasted goose rice when you’re hungry. And don’t forget to buy a charger cable– you always lose them!”
When asked to extend New Year greetings, the toy promptly replied, “Of course! Wishing everyone a happy New Year, may you have loads of red envelopes, and no weight gain!”
With the support of large language models, these adorable plush toys seem to come to life. Chen noted that purchasing an AI toy usually costs several hundred to several thousand yuan, but in Huaqiangbei, this transformation service only charges 90 yuan, with even lower prices for bulk orders.
He added that over the past two years, they have received numerous orders for AI modifications, spanning from edge AI devices to factory AI management systems. He cited an order from a theme park client that requested a custom doll that automatically introduces attractions when visitors approach the toy.
“Customers from various industries come to the market with their needs, and almost any concept can be turned into reality here,” he said.
