AI Takes on Human Desires at WAIC, From Companionship to Decision-Making
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in 2026 showcased large models, computing power, and robotics as central themes. However, in the innovation exhibition area, AI is venturing into more intimate aspects of human life, addressing desires such as intimacy, control, regret over loss, fear of loneliness, and uncertainty about the future. Exhibitors presented a range of AI-powered products, including egg-shaped toys that hatch into furry companions, AI plush toys designed for parent-child interaction, and wearable emotional support devices.
More direct applications of AI are seen in humanoid robots, initially presented as performers or consultants, but with a significant commercial application in providing animated skeletons for sex dolls. The price of these advanced humanoid robots, around 248,000 yuan, was noted by one attendee to be more expensive than a bride price. Beyond physical companionship, AI is also being used to outsource decision-making. Services traditionally offered by spiritual advisors and relationship coaches are being repackaged as AI-driven tools providing certainty and guidance, with some apps offering AI-powered fortune-telling and cognitive coaching.
One notable example is the revival of a previously banned relationship influencer, who has launched an AI app called "Meiren Zhizhao." This app allows users to create personas and practice difficult conversations, such as arguments with in-laws or salary negotiations, with AI simulating various scenarios. The app leverages a vast database of past human consultation cases, offering a monthly subscription of 199 yuan, significantly cheaper than traditional human coaching. Another company, "Wanwu Ling," offers AI-driven metaphysical services, including daily tarot readings and smart bracelets that alert users to take action based on their fortunes. These AI applications aim to provide emotional value and a sense of certainty, often masking complex human needs and challenges with a technological facade.
The World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) highlights a significant trend of AI moving beyond functional applications to address deeply ingrained human emotions and desires. This shift reflects a growing market for products that offer companionship, emotional support, and decision-making assistance, particularly in contexts where human interaction may be perceived as costly, unreliable, or fraught with emotional risk. The integration of AI into areas like intimacy, personal relationships, and even spiritual guidance raises questions about the future of human connection and the ethical implications of outsourcing emotional labor to machines. As AI capabilities advance, the line between genuine human interaction and simulated experience will likely become increasingly blurred, prompting a societal reevaluation of what constitutes meaningful relationships and personal fulfillment in an AI-augmented world. The commercialization of these AI solutions suggests a powerful incentive for companies to capitalize on human vulnerabilities, necessitating careful consideration of regulatory frameworks and user well-being.
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