Grimes Collaborates with San Francisco’s Curio to Launch Innovative AI-Powered Children’s Toys, US

A San Francisco-based company, Curio, has teamed up with musician Grimes to launch a new line of children’s toys that incorporate generative AI technology, allowing kids to interact with the toys in a unique way. The toys, named Gabbo, Grok, and Grem, are designed for children aged 3 to 12 and are priced at $99. Grimes, who is known for her passion for AI, voices the Grok character. It’s worth noting that while one of the toys shares its name with Elon Musk’s xAI, they are unrelated. The toys are powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT creator, providing children with the opportunity to engage in conversations and develop their communication skills. Grimes highlighted the importance of reducing screen time and allowing the imagination to flourish without constant exposure to screens. The involvement of Grimes in the Curio launch has also sparked interest due to her personal relationship with Elon Musk, who also has an AI venture named Grok. Despite the similarity in names, the trademarks held by both companies may not directly collide. Curio’s Grok is categorized as an electronic learning toy, while Musk’s Grok is listed as a downloadable computer and software for the artificial production of human speech and text. The introduction of AI-powered toys raises concerns about the potential harm and manipulation that AI can bring, especially when it comes to children. Experts and policymakers have warned about the risks associated with AI and the need to monitor its impact on children’s mental health. Nevertheless, the integration of AI in toys offers a new avenue for children to explore their imagination and develop crucial skills.