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China丨Digital cat promotes eco-friendly items

CHINADAILY · 公众号 · 时评 · 2025-03-21 10:50

正文

A digital cat in a village in Chongzhou, Sichuan province, has become a local star promoter since it started working just over a week ago.

Named Meow Buddy, the AI-powered agent resides in a 3D holographic pod at a newly opened shop in Zhuyi village in Daoming township.

Zhao Mingxiao, who oversees the store, said the digital cat's primary task is to share knowledge about sustainable development and promote sustainable lifestyles and products through dialogue and interaction with consumers.

"Beyond our expectations, the shop received wide attention, with sales hitting 5,700 yuan ($787.20) on its opening day," Zhao said.

The shop, jointly established by Zhao's team which operates Meow Buddy, and Zhuyi village, with technical support from an AI company in Chengdu, Sichuan province, aim to leverage AI-driven scenarios to promote sustainable products, Zhao said.

She said the shop exclusively sells eco-friendly products, including plastic-free tissue made of bamboo pulp, handmade yak butter soap and jasmine hand oil.

▲ Visitors interact with an AI-powered digital cat at a newly opened shop in Zhuyi village, Chongzhou, Sichuan province, on March 15, 2025. Photo provided to China Daily

The products are sustainable brands created by young entrepreneurs in cities such as Chengdu, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in Guangdong province. Several popular items have repeatedly sold out due to high demand, Zhao said.

The shop also features an AI sugar painting machine. By scanning a QR code, children can create their favorite designs with AI assistance, including images of Ne Zha, the protagonist of the animated film Ne Zha 2.