TL;DR
At CES 2026, AI-infused toys and companions were widespread, with Buddyo and HeyMates attracting attention among many exhibits. Buddyo showed a smart base that uses NFC tags to add AI features to collectible figurines such as Funko Pops.
What happened
CES 2026 featured a broad array of AI toys, robotic companions, and novelty devices, from waddling plushies to light-up emoji eyes. Amid that flood of products, two companies — HeyMates and Buddyo — were singled out as noteworthy by a Verge reporter. Buddyo demonstrated a small smart base intended to give collectible figurines AI-enhanced behavior by leveraging NFC tags attached to the figures. The Verge framed both companies as focusing on the collectible-figurine market, suggesting they are positioning their products for buyers who collect items like Funko Pops. Beyond those specifics, the excerpt does not provide technical details, pricing, release dates, or broader market analysis. The reporting emphasizes the wider presence of AI-enabled playthings at the show and highlights Buddyo’s NFC-based approach as a distinct example among many consumer-facing demonstrations.
Why it matters
- Physical collectibles could gain interactive, AI-driven behaviors, shifting how collectors engage with figures.
- Using NFC tags to add intelligence to existing toys offers a low-friction path for upgrading physical products.
- The prominent presence of AI toys at CES indicates continued industry interest in combining AI with consumer entertainment hardware.
- Companies targeting the collectible market may open new revenue or engagement models for manufacturers and licensors.
Key facts
- Buddyo is presented as a smart base designed to add AI to collectible figurines using NFC tags.
- The Verge article singled out both HeyMates and Buddyo among many AI toys on show at CES.
- AI toys, companions, and robots were a common theme at CES 2026, according to the excerpt.
- Other exhibited items included waddling plushies and light-up emoji eyes, illustrating the variety on display.
- Buddyo’s approach specifically references figurines like Funko Pops as target devices.
- Both companies were described as positioning products around the collectible-figurine market.
- Source: The Verge article titled 'AI is coming for collectibles next' (published 2026-01-09).
What to watch next
- not confirmed in the source: Specific launch dates and retail pricing for Buddyo or HeyMates products.
- not confirmed in the source: Which third-party figurine brands will be officially supported or how compatibility will be managed.
- not confirmed in the source: How user data, privacy, and on-device vs. cloud AI processing will be handled for these toys.
Quick glossary
- NFC tag: A near-field communication tag is a short-range wireless chip that can store data and be read by nearby devices to trigger actions or transfer information.
- Collectible figurine: A small, often decorative model of a character or object that is bought and kept for display, collecting, or trading.
- AI companion: A device or application that uses artificial intelligence to simulate conversation, provide interaction, or offer personalized responses.
- Smart base: A platform or accessory that adds sensors, connectivity, or computing features to another object, enabling new interactive capabilities.
- CES: An annual technology trade show where companies showcase consumer electronics, prototypes, and emerging products.
Reader FAQ
What is Buddyo?
Buddyo is described as a smart base intended to add AI functionality to collectible figurines by using NFC tags.
What is HeyMates and how does it work?
not confirmed in the source
Are these systems designed for Funko Pops specifically?
The source says Buddyo targets figurines like Funko Pops, but it does not confirm exclusive compatibility.
When will these products be available and how much will they cost?
not confirmed in the source
Buddyo is a smart base designed to add AI to figurines like Funko Pops using NFC tags. AI toys, companions, and robots have been everywhere at CES this year, but…
Sources
Related posts
- Atitan’s splitR aims to bring Auracast wireless audio to iPhones
- Leaked Galaxy S26+ battery specs match S25+ and offer déjà vu
- Samsung Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Classic Marked Down on Amazon Deals