Featured Image Credit: Curio
Topics: Technology, Parenting
Gregory Robinson
Artificial Intelligence is transforming every aspect of our lives, and now, it’s reshaping the world of toys too.
As AI chatbots become unavoidable - with some people even having chatbot girlfriends - children are now getting an early introduction to AI through a new line of stuffed toys that have been turning heads recently.
The toys, manufactured by Curio, are being marketed to kids of the tablet generation as an alternative to screen time.
The cuddly items consist of a voice box enabled by Wi-Fi that links the character to an AI language model calibrated to have conversations with children as young as three.
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Curio advertises three plushies on its website, named Grem, Grok, and Gabbo.
A New York Times journalist recently recounted an interaction with Grem, in which the toy prompted a game of ‘I Spy’, which proved difficult since Grem can’t see.
However, although children have always talked to their toys, the toys have not been able to engage in conversation with their owners. Sure, some toys have catch phrases, but now AI is set to completely change the toy world forever.
Grem is voiced and designed by musician Grimes, who was once in a relationship with Elon Musk, the New York Times reports.
One of Curio’s founders, Sam Eaton, told the publication that a Curio plushie is a ‘sidekick’ that could make children’s play 'more stimulating' so that parents 'don’t feel like you have to be sitting in front of a TV or something'.
Eaton also said that the toys are designed to stick to ‘G-rated material’ per the Times, ensuring that kids are redirected from any controversial chats or topics.
Curio also ensures every chat is transcribed and sent to the guardian’s phone and says that the conversations are not retained for any other purpose. However, the Times reports that the company’s privacy policy explains that the data could take a pathway through third-party companies OpenAI and Perplexity AI.
Parents are spooked by the concept of AI toys that can have chats with children though, with one commenting a simple: "Hell nooooo."
“The horror movie script writes itself,” warned another social media user, perhaps referencing the horror film Megan in which an AI toy wreaks havoc.
The comment section on Instagram on a Curio-related post was actually filled with GIFs of Megan and Chucky.
“Can’t wait for Toy Story 5 to come out,” another user quipped.
“Imaginary friends are better just saying,” added another.
Tyla has contacted Curio for comment.