LYNOOK transforms AI companions from individual conversations into immersive, memory-filled environments.

      While the majority of AI companion products are focused on retaining users through simple one-on-one chat interactions, LYNOOK Technology is taking a markedly different approach to overcome the industry challenge of a product lifecycle lasting only five days.

      This emerging tech firm, established in Nanshan, Shenzhen, in 2026, carries unique ACG (Anime, Comics, and Games) influences from its inception. With a central product philosophy centered around giving your favorite character a home, it has carved a distinct niche in the competitive AI companion sector.

      The founder, Luo Jingmin, has a background that seems perfectly suited for this endeavor. A technical expert who previously worked on visual algorithms at Tencent AI LAB, he was also the webmaster for an ACG community during his junior high school years. His deep understanding of ACG culture stems from his personal experiences growing up.

      Co-founder Zhang Jiayi possesses both bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Sydney. She has experience in CVC investments from Swire Group and extensive knowledge in consumer electronics channels, and she is also a recipient of the IF Design Award. This combination of technology, ACG culture, and consumer channels has helped the team avoid the common trap many AI startups fall into, which prioritizes technology over user experience.

      Unlike the vast majority of AI companion products that focus solely on online chatting, LYNOOK has pursued a model that combines hardware and an “AI character small world.” Its desktop companion product transcends the limitations of single conversations. Utilizing self-developed spatial computing and rendering technology, it creates an interactive 3D living space for users.

      In this space, the AI character transforms from a cold dialog box into a genuine companion with its own living scenarios, daily routines, and unique personality traits. Users can share everyday thoughts, engage in little rituals through touch and voice, and truly experience companionship in their physical environment.

      The most innovative aspect is their character neighbor gameplay: the product allows magnetic stacking of multiple devices, enabling AI characters from different users to become neighbors, fostering interactive relationships in their respective small worlds.

      This design directly addresses a major pain point in the current AI companion industry — as Luo Jingmin noted, over 60% of AI companion products only last five days due to a lack of living space, social networks, and shared experiences. The social network created by LYNOOK through hardware stacking means that the user-AI character relationship is no longer an isolated one-on-one interaction. Instead, users can build shared memories in evolving relationships, significantly extending the product lifecycle.

      To develop this unique AI character universe, LYNOOK is actively recruiting professionals from the ACG domain. It offers internships in illustration and character design, targeting fine arts students to collaboratively refine the appearance, personality, and living scenarios of the original characters, gradually forming a cohesive and recognizable character visual identity.

      From character concept art and expression/action libraries to fully realized story-driven scene images, the team is methodically transforming the “AI character small world” concept from an idea into a long-term, actionable visual asset.

      At a time when the AI companion sector is still grappling with achieving millions of daily active users, LYNOOK does not pursue user scale blindly. Instead, it focuses on deeply understanding the genuine emotional needs of core ACG enthusiasts. While other products aim to retain users by refining chat scripts, this innovative company has embraced hardware, spatial design, and social connections to discover new possibilities for AI companionship. Ultimately, it envisions a future where every ACG fan can have an AI partner that truly inhabits their desktop.

      Jessie Wu is a tech reporter based in Shanghai, covering consumer electronics, semiconductors, and the gaming industry for TechNode. You can connect with her via e-mail at jessie.wu@technode.com.