Alipay has introduced a new feature allowing autonomous AI agents, known as lobsters in China, to make purchases and payments based on user instructions.

Building upon Alipay AI Pay, an AI-native payment solution launched in 2025 which reached 100 million users by February 2026—becoming the first AI-native payment product globally to achieve this—the latest service enables seamless and secure transactions without requiring any coding or technical setup.

To activate, users install Alipay AI Pay into their AI agent, issue a voice command to enable payment functionality, and complete identity verification. From there, the user can manage purchases in three straightforward steps—stating a need, confirming the order, and authorizing payment. Payment instructions can be modified or canceled with just one command.

Security Measures

Security is prioritized throughout the service. Activation requires user consent and identity verification, each payment necessitates explicit user authorization, and a round-the-clock risk control system monitors transactions. The Full Compensation account protection programme has been extended to cover this new service.

Additionally, the Alipay AI Pay is pre-installed on Alibaba Cloud’s JVS Claw and has already been rolled out for use with DTClaw from Ant Group Digital Technologies. It is also available for other OpenClaw-type agents such as Claude Code and Hermes Agent through standard installation. Users in China can leverage this service within apps, mini-programs for retailers like Luckin Coffee, smart glasses including Rokid’s, and consumer AI applications.

For developers, Alipay has introduced several supporting services, such as a Payment MCP Server for integrating natural language payments, a Payment Integration Skill for vibe coding developers, AI tipping, and AI subscription payment capabilities.