Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how we work and communicate. From chatbots to customer questions, AI news feed, it seems AI is everywhere. And now it’s toys! Yes, you heard that right! Companies are now blending AI with stuffed animals, and they are creating talking plush toys that are designed to replace screens with cuddly conversations.
Startup companies like Curio are leading the way are building stuffed toys that are designed to hold conversations with kids. Companies say these toys will serve as a softer alternative to hours of screen time. Curio is creating toys such as Grem and Grok. These toys are equipped with chatbot technology hidden inside them.
Why This Idea Came to Embed AI inside Stuffed Animals
The idea behind AI stuffed toys is to let kids interact with a plush toy that talks back rather than spending endless hours glued to a phone or a tablet. In addition, these toys can talk back, answer questions, and even attempt to bond with children.
Nevertheless, on the surface, this technology of embedding AI with toys sounds like a breakthrough, but we still don’t know what repercussions it could hold on a child’s mind.
It Could Lead to Detachment with Parents
As per Amanda Hess, write of New York Times, she interacted with Grem and engages in meaningful conversations with it and she immediately realized it didn’t seem like a toy at all. According to Hess, it seemed like an attempt to replace the role of a parent, and hence, she described the experience as less of an “upgrade” to the teddy bear and more of a substitute for her own presence.
Are These Toys Really Minimizing Screen Time
Supporters argue that these toys help kids spend less time on tablets or TVs. However, critics point out that the toys still encourage children to see technology as the ultimate source of answers and curiosity.
Kids Still Love the Plush, Without the Tech
Interestingly, Hess eventually let her children play with Grem, after removing its voice box. Without the AI, her kids still enjoyed talking to the plush and inventing games. After a while, they naturally moved on to watching TV.
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