Elon's AI avatars: the future or too far?

While pushing the limits of AI, things could get interesting quickly

Author

Lex Sokolin
July 17, 2025

In partnership with:

Hi AI Futurists,

No stranger to controversy, Grok, Elon Musk's chatbot under xAI, now includes AI "companions" for $30/month subscribers that include anime and fantasy characters aimed at deepening user interaction. While there are certainly some interesting use cases, the reaction so far has been mixed. Let’s take a look.

Here’s our agenda.

  • Our Sponsor: CodeRabbit

  • Top AI news

  • Are AI companions the next big thing?

  • Top 3 selected AI tools

  • AI in the wild

Best,
Lex

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Elon Musk’s Grok AI Companions

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is moving in a new direction, introducing AI companions for subscribers who pay $30/month for the “Super Grok” tier. Among the first available characters are Ani, a goth-style anime girl, and Bad Rudy, a 3D fox. These AI personalities come at a time when the chatbot along with Musk has drawn some controversy. Despite that, Musk is embracing more playful, and potentially emotionally interactive formats.

It’s unclear whether these companions are meant to be romantic, gamified skins, or something in between. The move echoes broader trends in AI where chatbots are being designed not just as assistants but as emotionally engaging entities. Companies like Character.AI are facing scrutiny for similar systems, some involving tragic misuse by underage users. A recent study also warned of the psychological risks that can arise when people start treating bots as therapists or confidants, even in adult contexts.

All that said, the launch signals a growing interest in personalized AI personas that go beyond utility into companionship, storytelling, and expression. Whether this is a novelty or a step toward reshaping how we interact with technology depends on how people use it. For users, the future might not be a single AI assistant, but a cast of characters that reflect moods, needs, or creative aspirations, like customizing your own digital social circle.

Takeaways at a Glance:

  • Grok introduces AI companions (e.g., Ani the anime girl, Bad Rudy the fox)

  • Only available for “Super Grok” subscribers at $30/month

  • Potential shift toward emotional interaction rather than pure utility

  • In the same arena as Character.AI.

What We Think About It:

  • This launch walks a thin line between innovation and provocation. While the avatars may draw in more casual users or tap into fandom subcultures, they risk diluting the brand’s utility-focused AI positioning. It's an early peek at a future where AI becomes performative, not just functional.

What You Can Do Right Now:

  • Take a moment to reflect on what role you want AI to play—companion, coworker, or both. For those experimenting with AI tools, try imagining different use cases: not just productivity, but storytelling, emotion, and interaction.

Get more done with these AI tools

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AI in the wild

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