More than being able to do tasks and simplify repetitive chores, there are now AI robots on the market that provide more than just a helping hand around the house. Earlier this year, China-based startup Takway.AI made a showing at CES 2026 to showcase what they claim to be the world’s first physically growing pet, Sweekar. While it clearly takes inspiration from the popularity of yesteryear’s pocket pet Tamagotchi, the company has integrated AI into this egg that supposedly “grows up” with its user.
Tamagotchi with an upgrade
Similar to the Tamagotchi, the Sweekar egg starts off weighing 89g. This similarity ends as the egg “cracks” open from 6.1 cm to reveal a screen with a face, acting as a baby at first and growing up into a teen before becoming an adult at 7.1 cm. By feeding, bathing, playing, and talking to the egg, it physically grows into adulthood in approximately 21 days. It’s not only the physicality of the egg that changes; depending on how it is cared for and trained, it develops its own personality which makes each egg unique to each user. Eventually, the egg will also wander on its own via virtual adventures, earning coins for itself and gaining new experiences to share with its owner.
Sweekar works offline, is equipped with NFC to tap into another egg to make friends with, and uses its owner’s mobile hotspot to connect to the internet. With its built-in speaker, the pocket-sized AI pet is able to remember details about its owner, such as their voice and other emotional data. It is powered by ChatGPT and Gemini, allowing it to store its data and memories in the cloud. Its vocabulary also evolves as they go from an egg into an adult. This means that owners can have conversations with their AI pet. Beyond the technology of the companion egg, the Sweekar comes in blue, yellow, and purple. Outfits are available with the package, and more options can be downloaded and 3D printed.
AI companion in an egg
As of this writing, Sweekar is available on Kickstarter, starting at a super early bird rate of $149. Mass production and shipping are scheduled for this coming November. The campaign has so far proven to be successful with over $470,000 worth of pledges, beyond its $12,757 goal and still with 24 days to go. With the market clearly looking for some companionship, this AI companion egg may be the interesting option to go for, especially for those looking to heal their inner child or just on the lookout for the nostalgic feel of caring for a Tamagotchi pet.
YouTube: Like Tamagotchi, But Make It AI | Meet Sweekar (Live Now on Kickstarter)
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Photo credit: The images used are owned by Takway.AI and have been provided for press usage.
Sources: AP Newsroom / Kickstarter
