# Wang Ning

The Soul of the Machine: Why Pop Mart Hesitates to Give LABUBU an AI Brain

While competitors like Miniso embrace AI-integrated toys, Pop Mart remains hesitant to give its flagship LABUBU character a digital voice. The blind-box giant faces a strategic dilemma: risk brand dilution through unproven AI tech or miss out on the next multi-billion dollar frontier of emotional companionship.