Core Viewpoint - The AI toy industry is facing significant challenges, including high return rates and a lack of product-market fit, leading to skepticism about its future viability [5][7][22]. Group 1: Market Feedback and Challenges - The current return rate for AI plush toys is between 30% and 40%, indicating consumer dissatisfaction with the products [5][12]. - Many AI toys are priced between 300-400 yuan, but their production costs are generally under 100 yuan, leading to high consumer expectations that are often unmet [19][20]. - Common issues reported by consumers include heavy AI characteristics, response delays, complex interactions, and connectivity problems, which detract from the intended experience of having an emotional and engaging companion [6][15]. Group 2: Product Development and Market Dynamics - Most AI toys on the market are simple in design, typically consisting of a plush toy and a voice interaction box, which has led to a crowded and competitive market [9][11]. - The reliance on e-commerce platforms and their return policies can be detrimental to companies that fail to deliver satisfactory product experiences [12][22]. - Many companies in the AI toy sector are still operating at a loss and depend on financing to sustain their operations, highlighting the financial strain within the industry [7][18]. Group 3: Future Directions and Innovations - New entrants in the AI toy market are exploring differentiated products that incorporate multi-modal interactions and emotional value, targeting a broader audience beyond just children [27][28]. - Companies are beginning to recognize the limitations of current AI toys and are adjusting their designs to improve user experience, such as integrating voice boxes into the toys themselves and enhancing interaction capabilities [25][26]. - The ultimate goal for many AI toy companies is to create personalized AI companions, which requires sustained user engagement and interaction to refine the AI's capabilities [23][24].