SHANGHAI — Robots that hug, dolls that whisper, toys that know your heartbeat. At this year’s adult products expo in Shanghai, cutting-edge pleasure technologies included lifelike responses to touch and emotion, blurring the line between human connection and machine interaction.

The three-day international adult products expo, which opened April 18, brought together more than 400 exhibitors from around the globe. Showcasing a wide range of products, the expo drew more than 50,000 attendees — nearly double last year’s turnout.

Among the top exhibits at the expo was a lifelike humanoid robot resembling a woman in her 20s, capturing attention with its striking realism and dynamic expressions. Standing 165 cm tall in a tight leather outfit, the robot conveyed emotions like happiness, surprise, and sadness through blinking, nodding, and hugging.

“She can sing and dance, she can talk to you,” Xu, a member of staff from Chunshuitang, a Chinese company specializing in silicone dolls, told Sixth Tone. Equipped with technology supporting dialogue, the robot is integrated into mainstream AI platforms such as DeepSeek and Baidu’s Wenxiaoyan.

It also offers high customization services: users can provide a photo, and the team can achieve over 95% restoration accuracy within two months.

In another corner of the exhibition floor, crowds gathered around a Playboy-brand silicone doll that replicates human body temperature for realistic cuddling and sleeping, while also offering intelligent functions like automatic lubricant dispensing and self-cleaning. Priced at 30,000 yuan ($4,113), it promises up to five years of companionship.

Also integrated with DeepSeek’s technology, the doll can engage in personalized conversations based on user habits. “When you touch her after work, she’ll greet you with ‘Hello, big guy, welcome back,’” explained a member of staff. The doll also includes vibration feedback, voice responses, and emotional reactions, with plans to add blinking eyes by June and walking capability by October.

China is the world’s largest producer of adult products, with over one million companies in the sector, according to industry platform Qichacha. The market, which caters to both exports and growing domestic demand, reached 179.43 billion yuan in 2023 and is projected to exceed 200 billion yuan by 2025.

This surge in demand has attracted major tech players. Platforms like Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, have launched hourly delivery services for adult product merchants, while delivery giant Ele.me and e-commerce platform JD.com have introduced instant retail solutions. Meituan has also entered the space with its Love Lab chain, featuring unmanned warehouses and rapid deliveries via scan-and-pick systems.

Luo Nanxi, co-founder of Shenzhen-based adult products store Joy Home, said that while these platforms have opened doors for new market entrants, stricter entry standards, clearer platform policies, and more rigorous operational practices are still needed. “Starting this year, we hope major platforms will improve product screening and focus on providing high-quality services for legitimate brands,” she said.

With a decade in the business, Luo has seen a significant shift in consumer behavior. What was once limited to basic items like condoms, stockings, and toys has evolved into more varied orders, often including lube, lingerie, low-temperature candles, and butt plugs.

Purchases now span beyond homes and hotels, with delivery addresses ranging from office buildings to street-side parks. In-store, pleasure sets have become popular gifts for birthdays and weddings.

“People’s sex lives have become more diverse and adventurous, with bolder and more specific demands,” she said.

For instance, smart vibrators with biometric sensors that automatically adjust vibrations based on real-time data analysis were among the top draws at the expo.

Shanghai-based sex tech company Magic Motion showcased a smart vibrator with squeeze-sensing vibration and Kegel training — involving repeated contraction of the pelvic floor muscles — enhancing both the user experience and sexual health awareness. When the Kegel balls are inserted and trigger the sensor, the device provides synchronous vibration feedback. Users can track training progress in real-time through the app.

Initially targeted at postpartum women, the upgraded version now appeals to a younger market. CEO Kim Yuan revealed that the new model, launched at the end of last year, quickly sparked a market frenzy and is currently in high demand.

The company believes “sexual issues should not be taboo but rather treated scientifically.” To further this mission, they invited a sex expert to offer free consultations at the expo. “We hope users can pay attention to their health through enjoyable experiences,” Yuan said.

Contributions: Fu Xiaoqing; editor: Apurva.

(Header image: Sex toys on display during the API EXPO, Shanghai, April 19, 2025. Fan Yiying/Sixth Tone)