Elon Musk's xAI has launched an AI companion named Ani, a sexualized anime character available even in Kids mode. Despite controversies surrounding the company, Musk promotes Ani on his X account, while users express concerns about its implications for youth and relationships.

Elon Musk has just unveiled “Companions,” a new feature for his AI chatbot, Grok, that allows users to interact with AI personas. These include Ani, a gothic anime girl who communicates with emojis, flirtatious messages, and facts, as well as Rudy, a friendly red panda.

Earlier this week, xAI added what can only be described as an AI anime girlfriend named Ani to its Grok chatbot. Which is how I ended up on a virtual starry beach as an AI waifu avatar tried to give me a “spicy” kiss.