India, July 8 -- China is leading in a bizarre frontier, creating hyperrealistic AI-powered sex dolls that are now becoming more conversational than ever before. The silicone-based dolls which cost as high as $3,000, are being rapidly produced by Chinese factories to meet the growing demand from men seeking both physical and emotional companionship.

WMDoll, one of the country's top manufacturers, is expecting a 30% spike in sales this year, driven in part by men who are unable to find romantic partners. "It makes the dolls more responsive and interactive, which offers users a better experience," said Liu Jiangxia, CEO of WMDoll, in an interview with South China Morning Post.

What sets these dolls apart from their mechanical predecessors...