Are AI Smart Toys The Future Of Childrens’ Entertainment?

Artificial intelligence has made rapid strides into the public consciousness over the past year, and it seems that there is no area of our lives that will not fall under its influence. The latest frontier is the world of children’s toys, according to a report in The Times. Here’s a look at how a new generation of smart toys are set to take centre stage.

A Silicon Valley startup has developed an interactive toy called Grok, who is capable of answering questions, suggesting games to play, and may even be able to form personalised ‘relationships’ with a child. The toy is controlled by an app, which allows parents to select suitable topics that they wish their child to be able to discuss.

The default setting is strictly programmed to avoid and divert away from any inappropriate and adult content, and parents or caregivers are able to tailor the content to ensure that they are in control of what their child hears. The toy is being marketed as a way to positively use technology to entertain and educate the child whilst cutting back on screen time.

Of course, talking toys are nothing new, but until recently they have only been capable of using a limited amount of pre-programmed phrases and cannot be used interactively without a lot of effort and imagination. Whilst this has value for the child’s social and emotional development, the appeal can soon wear thin due to the limitations of the programming.

Now, chatbot-style technology that deploys large language models offer almost unlimited new possibilities. There are already educational style toys on the market that can help children learn a variety of subjects, from maths to foreign languages and science. The content can be customised to suit the child’s learning style and level of knowledge. 

Some AI toys are designed to enhance creativity and enrich imaginative play through interactive games or storytelling. More advanced models may be able to adapt and respond to emotions and engage in empathetic conversations. This can help children to develop emotional awareness and become more confident about expressing their feelings.

However, as with any new technology, there are safety concerns and questions around the ethics of allowing children to develop an emotional relationship with an AI toy. It is important that the parental controls are strictly monitored to ensure that the child is always accessing age appropriate content, for example.

Privacy and data protection is another important concern. The manufacturers of Grok explain that the toy is deliberately designed not to have memory enabled learning skills, to avoid an overly intrusive dataset that could be problematic for the child or parents.

It’s also important to encourage children to take part in traditional activities such as outdoor play, sports, and social interactions with friends and classmates. This will ensure that the child has a well-rounded educational experience that is enhanced rather than led by artificial intelligence.

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