From Labubu To Mirumi: A New Toy Trend Takes Shape

It’s only the beginning of 2026, and the internet has already found its first viral product of the year. While Labubu grabbed attention in 2025, it’s now an AI charm bot called Mirumi that has won over online audiences with its gentle, playful personality. Mirumi is a small, furry robot that resembles a sloth bear. Created by Tokyo-based Yukai Engineering, it’s designed to recreate the simple joy people feel when interacting with a baby. The bot was first unveiled as a prototype at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and is expected to go on sale soon.

Designed to clip onto a backpack or handbag, Mirumi wraps its long, flexible arms around a strap and comes to life as soon as the bag moves. It quietly scans its surroundings, tilting its head toward nearby people as if curious, then shyly looking away when someone gets too close. A gentle shake makes Mirumi wobble its head, much like a toddler reacting to sudden movement.

According to its creators, Mirumi doesn’t respond to spoken words. Instead, it reacts to sounds around it, picking up nearby voices and movement. Touch sensors built into its head allow it to respond when patted or handled. When the battery runs low, the bot signals the need for charging with a simple head shake. Mirumi began as an internal experiment during Yukai Engineering’s Make-a-Thon in 2024, where designers explored ways to give robots a sense of emotion. It uses a mix of distance sensors and an inertial measurement unit to detect motion and proximity. Its oversized eyes and soft texture often prompt smiles and friendly reactions from passersby. That charm, however, comes at a price. Mirumi isn’t a budget-friendly toy. Early backers can preorder the bot in grey, pink, or ivory, with prices starting at around ₹10,500.