AI ChatGPT-Powered Smart Toys: What Parents Should Know this Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches, a new wave of innovative smart toys powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is set to hit the market. These advanced toys, which surpass the sophistication and interactivity of beloved classics like Teddy Ruxpin and Furbys, are expected to become the most sought-after items this Christmas. Not only do they provide a more responsive and engaging experience for children, but they also serve as educational tools, introducing STEM concepts like coding and robotics.
Some notable examples of AI-driven smart toys scheduled for release this Christmas include Replika, Cozmo, Anki Vector, LittleBits Code Kit, and Ozobot Bit. Replika is a chatbot that can be programmed with the personality of a real person, offering conversations, companionship, and even therapy. Cozmo, on the other hand, is a compact robot that interacts with its environment, learns from its interactions, and engages in activities like playing games and drawing pictures.
Anki Vector is another small robot that navigates its surroundings, interacts with objects, and serves as a controller for smart home devices. LittleBits Code Kit allows children to create interactive toys and gadgets using electronic building blocks, while the accompanying coding app imparts programming skills. Lastly, Ozobot Bit is a programmable robot that enables the creation of mazes, games, and other interactive experiences.
In addition to these examples, VTech CEO Allan Wong is introducing a line of AI teddy bears that aim to enhance children’s playtime experiences. These teddy bears, utilizing chatbot-like technology, engage in discussions, provide personalized storytelling, comfort during tantrums, entertainment, and valuable lessons. VTech acknowledges concerns regarding privacy, security, and content delivered to children, ensuring to address these issues as they continue to develop their AI toys.
While the benefits of AI-driven smart toys are impressive, privacy concerns have been raised regarding the collection and storage of private information. These toys have the capability to generate personalized stories based on individual preferences and can potentially collect sensitive data such as school details and names of friends. This raises concerns about potential misuse of this information and the security of data collection, storage, and sharing with third-party entities.
With AI technology rapidly advancing, the need for proactive regulation is being contemplated by experts like Elon Musk and governments worldwide. Industry leaders and policymakers are engaging in discussions to address cybersecurity concerns associated with AI. Geoffrey Hinton, widely regarded as the Father of AI, expressed his concerns about the risks associated with AI chatbots, emphasizing the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence in the near future.
While companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products, parents must also take steps to protect their families. Some tips for enhancing safety and privacy when using AI smart toys include disabling live video and text chat features, utilizing parental settings to control playtime and monitor activities, reading and understanding privacy statements, and ensuring the toys can be reset to erase any stored data.
As AI-driven smart toys continue to captivate children with their impressive capabilities, it is crucial for parents to stay informed about the potential risks and take necessary precautions. By prioritizing safety and privacy, parents can ensure that their children have a delightful and secure playtime experience with these innovative toys.
