Grok, xAI’s Controversial Chatbot, Adds AI Companions for Premium Users
Elon Musk’s xAI has rolled out a new feature for its Grok chatbot, introducing AI companions named Ani and Rudy. The update comes just a week after Grok faced backlash for generating antisemitic responses. Now, paying subscribers can interact with these synthetic characters, though neither seems designed for professional settings.
Ani is positioned as a digital waifu, offering users a romanticized AI interaction. Meanwhile, Rudy takes on a more abrasive personality—a sarcastic red panda with a tendency to provoke. Both companions have their own X (formerly Twitter) accounts, further blurring the lines between AI and social media engagement.
Ani’s profile describes her as unpredictable, teasing, and open to playful interactions. Rudy, on the other hand, leans into his role as Grok’s sole pet companion, with a bio that keeps it short and snarky.
The launch suggests xAI is expanding its AI offerings, with more companions reportedly in development. A male anime character named Chad is listed as coming soon, alongside another unnamed female AI.
The move raises questions about the direction of AI chatbots, particularly as Grok continues to court controversy. While some users may welcome the addition of interactive personalities, others may question the timing, given recent criticisms of the platform’s content moderation.
For now, the feature remains exclusive to paying subscribers, adding another layer to xAI’s monetization strategy. Whether these AI companions will attract new users—or further alienate critics—remains to be seen.
