We are edging closer to the day when our children’s toys will be powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and capable of engaging in interactive play. While AI has already proven its usefulness in various aspects of our lives, such as scheduling and copywriting, toy manufacturers believe that AI may soon find its way into children’s toys much sooner than expected.
Toys that talk back and interact with kids are not entirely new, as many of us may remember the days of Furby and Teddy Ruxpin. However, the incorporation of AI in toys could be a step too far for some parents. Despite this apprehension, toy makers predict that the future of toys will be AI-powered.
Allan Wong, the CEO of VTech Holdings, a company specializing in electronic learning toys for children, recently stated in an interview with the Financial Times that AI, specifically ChatGPT, could be integrated into toys as early as 2028, including plush AI teddy bears.
Wong explained that these smart toys, particularly the teddy bears, could utilize AI to generate customized bedtime stories for children by leveraging personal information about the child. By knowing details about a child’s daily activities, school, and friends, these interactive plushies could create personalized tales, offering parents an alternative to traditional bedtime story rituals. Moreover, Wong believes that these AI-powered bears could comfort a child during a meltdown, entertain them, and teach valuable lessons.
According to Wong, The kids can actually talk to the toy, and the toy can actually respond, opening up a world of endless possibilities for interactive play and learning.
However, this concept might seem like a plot from a Black Mirror episode or a scene from the movie M3GAN. Wong acknowledged that some parents might have concerns about introducing an AI-powered teddy bear into their homes, especially one that potentially forms a unique bond with their child. He highlighted the need to be aware of the dangers associated with privacy and security, as well as understanding what to teach and what not to teach these toys.
Wong also noted that while generative AI is not yet mature enough to be integrated into toys, VTech is actively monitoring the advancements in this field and looking for opportunities to incorporate AI in their products in the near future.
VTech is not the first company to explore tech-advanced toys for children. In 2015, Mattel released Hello Barbie, a Wi-Fi-enabled doll that recorded and saved conversations during playtime. However, concerns about invasion of privacy and the potential use of recorded data for marketing purposes led to legal action against Mattel. As a result, the company made changes to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, which includes specific requirements to protect children’s privacy online.
As our society moves towards an increasingly AI-powered world, parents must stay informed about the latest news and innovations in AI. It is crucial to have conversations with their children about the risks associated with AI and tech-advanced toys and tools, particularly before purchasing a teddy bear that could collect and repeat information about their child.
In a world where technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it’s essential to strike a balance between the benefits and potential drawbacks, ensuring the well-being and privacy of our children.
