"It's AI, but not AI." Plush toy 'XiaoPA' that makes you want to talk to it launched on Makuake
Polaris One, Inc. launched a crowdfunding campaign on Makuake on May 24, 2026, for 'XiaoPA,' an AI companion plush toy that combines ChatGPT-enabled natural conversation with the warmth of a plush toy.
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- 📰 Published: May 24, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 24, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 24, 2026 at 10:32 (1 min after Collected)
Polaris One, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative: Jean Tongtong) launched a crowdfunding campaign for the AI companion plush toy 'XiaoPA' on the Makuake support purchase service on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
'XiaoPA' is a new kind of AI companion that combines natural conversational functions powered by ChatGPT with the 'warmth' unique to plush toys.
It was created to exist gently by your side during daily moments, not just for conversation—when you get home, before you sleep, or on lonely nights.
Moving from 'Using AI' to an entity 'by your side'
Instead of being mediated by a smartphone or PC, XiaoPA is there for you as a 'touchable entity' in your daily life.
With a soft, huggable feel, expressive eyes, and natural conversation that makes you want to talk to it, it offers a new lifestyle experience: 'It's AI, but not AI.'
Features of XiaoPA:
- Natural conversation that makes you want to talk to it
- Emotional 'look' with changing expressions
- Voice personalization to recreate family members' voices
- Gentle support for hydration and medicine intake
- Privacy-conscious design with no cameras
- Soft touch that makes you want to hug it
Overview of the Makuake project:
- Project name: When I come home, this child is here. A little friend that connects through warmth. XiaoPA
- Duration: May 24, 2026 (Sun) – July 30, 2026 (Thu)
- Support purchase price: From 27,860 yen (tax included) *Up to 30% off general sale price
- Return content: XiaoPA main unit (B&W/Pink), free trial of voice personalization, Makuake limited benefits, etc.
- Makuake page: https://www.makuake.com/project/xiaopa/
'XiaoPA' is a new kind of AI companion that combines natural conversational functions powered by ChatGPT with the 'warmth' unique to plush toys.
It was created to exist gently by your side during daily moments, not just for conversation—when you get home, before you sleep, or on lonely nights.
Moving from 'Using AI' to an entity 'by your side'
Instead of being mediated by a smartphone or PC, XiaoPA is there for you as a 'touchable entity' in your daily life.
With a soft, huggable feel, expressive eyes, and natural conversation that makes you want to talk to it, it offers a new lifestyle experience: 'It's AI, but not AI.'
Features of XiaoPA:
- Natural conversation that makes you want to talk to it
- Emotional 'look' with changing expressions
- Voice personalization to recreate family members' voices
- Gentle support for hydration and medicine intake
- Privacy-conscious design with no cameras
- Soft touch that makes you want to hug it
Overview of the Makuake project:
- Project name: When I come home, this child is here. A little friend that connects through warmth. XiaoPA
- Duration: May 24, 2026 (Sun) – July 30, 2026 (Thu)
- Support purchase price: From 27,860 yen (tax included) *Up to 30% off general sale price
- Return content: XiaoPA main unit (B&W/Pink), free trial of voice personalization, Makuake limited benefits, etc.
- Makuake page: https://www.makuake.com/project/xiaopa/
FAQ
What is 'Pachan (XiaoPA)'?
It is an AI companion plush toy that works with ChatGPT to have natural conversations. It does not have a camera, but it has rich facial expressions and voice personalization features.
When is the crowdfunding period?
From Sunday, May 24, 2026 to Thursday, July 30, 2026.
What is the purchase price of 'Pachan'?
The support purchase price starts at 27,860 yen (tax included).
What features does 'Pachan' have?
It has natural conversation functions, changing expressions (gaze), voice personalization to mimic family members' voices, and support functions for hydration and medication reminders.
Are there any privacy considerations?
It is designed without a camera to ensure privacy.