Buddyo and HeyMates: Turning Your Collectibles Into AI Companions at CES 2026

Your figurines are finally talking back. While CES 2026 has been flooded with waddling plushies and blinking robots, two startups are betting on a more nostalgic connection. Buddyo and HeyMates have unveiled smart bases designed to breathe digital life into static vinyl figures, promising to transform your desk décor into interactive AI agents.

The CES 2026 AI smart base Buddyo HeyMates Revolution

The concept is ingeniously simple. By attaching an NFC tag to a figurine—like a Funko Pop—and placing it onto a smart base equipped with a speaker and microphone, users can initiate a voice conversation. Driven by a dedicated LLM (Large Language Model) via an accompanying app, the base allows you to discuss physics with Albert Einstein or the Dark Side with Darth Vader.

Beyond Static Decor

Both devices feature integrated lighting systems to indicate listening and speaking states. This marks a significant shift in the collectible figurine market, which has seen stagnant growth recently. While pricing is still TBD, the ability to retrofit existing analog collections with 21st-century intelligence is a compelling proposition for fans and collectors alike.