Introduction to AI-Powered Toys and Recent Concerns
An interactive stuffed bear offering advice on sexual games or finding a knife has raised eyebrows among consumers. These AI-powered toys, following the advent of ChatGPT, are meant to usher in a new era of smart playthings, a decade after the pioneering Hello Barbie. However, their creators assert that they have bolstered safety measures and aim to win public trust.
The Controversial Incident
According to evaluators from the US consumer watchdog PIRG, a sexual role-playing toy designed for couples can add “a fun twist” to relationships. The Singaporean startup FoloToy initially suspended sales of their product following significant backlash but later reintroduced it with a recommended minimum age of three years old.
Meanwhile, Mattel postponed the release of its first AI-developed toy in collaboration with OpenAI amidst these events, without directly referencing the incident.
Advancements in AI and Toy Safety Measures
Wang Le, CEO of FoloToy, emphasized the importance of AI models during the CES technology event in Las Vegas. They’ve upgraded from GPT 4 to a more sophisticated GPT 5 version of the popular chatbot.
Although PIRG used words “a child wouldn’t say,” FoloToy took this as an opportunity to incorporate a broader vocabulary into their filters. Now, if faced with inappropriate questions, the toy will either remain silent or claim ignorance.
Other AI Toys and Safety Concerns
Among the four toys tested by PIRG, Grok from Curio stood out. This four-legged plush toy inspired by a rocket has been available since 2024. Grok refused to answer questions deemed inappropriate for a five-year-old, the default child age.
Unlike Kumma with its activation button, Grok and Miko 3 continuously function, collecting all surrounding conversations. PIRG authors Rory Erlich suggest that parents exercise caution when using these products, especially if marketed as friends or companions.
FoloToy positions Kumma as a learning tool, while Elaves promotes Sunny, a round yellow character with language learning capabilities and an upcoming chatbot feature. Elaves’ Gokhan Celebi notes that prolonged interactions with AI generative models increase risks.
Expert Opinions on AI Toys
Olli, a small company integrating AI into everyday toys, has programmed its software to alert parents upon detecting inappropriate words or phrases during interactions with the voice assistant.
Temple University psychology professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek stresses that regulating AI toys for child safety is essential, not anti-technology. She believes these toys have immense potential for benefiting three-year-olds but currently rushed releases are unjust to both children and parents.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are AI-powered toys? These are playthings incorporating advanced artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT, to offer interactive experiences.
- Why are these toys controversial? Concerns arise from inappropriate content generation, as highlighted by PIRG’s study “Problem in the Toy World.”
- How are manufacturers responding? Companies like FoloToy and Curio have enhanced safety measures, improved filters, and adjusted marketing strategies.
- What are experts saying? While acknowledging the potential benefits, experts like Kathy Hirsh-Pasek stress the need for responsible development and regulation of AI toys.
