Mattel Partners with OpenAI to Launch First AI-Powered Toy This Year

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Mattel, the maker of Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Uno, announced on Thursday a partnership with OpenAI to develop toys and games powered by artificial intelligence. The company aims to launch its first AI-enhanced product before the end of 2025.

The collaboration seeks to “bring the magic of AI to age-appropriate play experiences,” focusing on innovation while maintaining strong privacy and safety standards. In addition to consumer products, Mattel plans to integrate OpenAI’s advanced AI tools, including ChatGPT Enterprise, into its business operations to boost creativity, productivity, and transformation across the company.

OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap emphasized that the partnership provides Mattel with access to sophisticated AI capabilities to help drive product innovation and company-wide efficiency.

The move comes amid a period of muted demand for toys, as consumers tighten spending due to economic uncertainties linked to shifting U.S. trade policies. To counter a slowdown in its traditional toy business, Mattel has increasingly relied on films, TV shows, and mobile games based on its iconic brands.

In response to rising supply chain costs, Mattel recently withdrew its annual financial forecast and announced plans to raise prices on select products sold within the U.S.

JetZero to Invest $4.7 Billion Over 10 Years in North Carolina HQ and Production Facility

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JetZero, a U.S. aircraft startup backed by United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, announced plans to invest $4.7 billion over the next decade to build a production facility and headquarters in North Carolina. The company aims to manufacture its 250-seat Z4 blended wing body aircraft at a site near Greensboro, the state said on Thursday.

As part of the deal, JetZero will receive more than $1.1 billion in state performance incentives paid over nearly 40 years. These incentives depend on the company creating over 14,000 jobs in North Carolina between 2027 and 2036. Additionally, JetZero will benefit from $450 million in infrastructure improvements to the Piedmont Triad International Airport, supported by city and county incentives.

JetZero holds a conditional order from United Airlines for up to 100 fuel-efficient aircraft, with options for another 100. The company joins other aviation startups expanding in the U.S. South, including supersonic jet maker Boom, which recently opened a facility at the same airport.

The region’s aerospace growth is driven by strong demand for aircraft, lower costs compared to traditional manufacturing hubs, and increasing efforts to develop environmentally friendly planes. However, recruiting experienced labor remains a challenge in the capital-intensive aviation industry, where startups often face high entry barriers and financial pressures.

Ant Group to Seek Stablecoin Issuer License in Hong Kong

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Ant Group, an affiliate of Alibaba and operator of the popular mobile payments app Alipay, announced plans to apply for a license to issue stablecoins in Hong Kong through its overseas arm, Ant International. This follows the recent passage of a stablecoin bill by Hong Kong’s legislature, which establishes a regulatory framework for fiat-referenced stablecoin issuers.

Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to fiat currencies such as the U.S. dollar, frequently used by traders to move funds between tokens while maintaining stable value.

Ant International said it will apply for the fiat-referenced stablecoin (FRS) issuer license once the licensing process opens after the Stablecoins Ordinance takes effect on August 1.

The company also reportedly plans to pursue stablecoin licenses in other jurisdictions, including Singapore and Luxembourg.

Ant Group was founded by billionaire Jack Ma and is 33% owned by Alibaba. It remains a key player in China’s digital payments ecosystem.