Children may get to hear bedtime stories told by AI teddy bears soon. What's more, these stories won't just be usual stories; they could be tailored stories that are based on what the plushie knows about the child, such as interests, dislikes, and even deep secrets.
AI Teddy Bears
According to the New York Post, the world is bound to see toys powered by AI and ChatGPT soon. These toys will likely not just be filled with fun and games; they may also be capable of learning more about the child.
As such, these interactive plushies could be capable of having conversations with the child. It may also converse in full sentences. With more interactions with the child, the bear is bound to become even more intelligent.
This is the vision that Allan Wong, toymaker and CEO of VTech, has in mind for the future of the company with its product lineup of AI teddy bears. VTech also produces other children's toys driven by technology, such as the Challenger kids' laptop. Wong notes that these bears will provide a new alternative to the usual bedtime story routines.
KTAR News adds that such AI-powered plushies will incorporate chatbot-type technology in order to make tailored and customized stories. As such, these bears could soothe a child dealing with temper tantrums, teach them some lessons, and also entertain them. Because of such capabilities, the child could form a bond with the plushie.
Wong explains that AI will be able to generate customized stories as opposed to generic stories that are read from a book. The CEO further notes that the child's name can also be incorporated. On top of that, the AI will be familiar with the child's school and even the child's friends. The AI could be capable of telling the story and conversing like a good peer, as reported by the Evening Standard.
Are These AI-Powered Toys Safe For Kids?
Though this novel invention may sound innovative, it leads to a pressing question: is it safe for kids?
Wong says that the maturity of generative AI is not sufficient to be applied to toys. He adds that he thinks it is important to be aware of AI dangers, in terms of security, privacy, things to teach, and things not to teach. Wong also describes the potential of AI as scary.
Nevertheless, he estimates that such storytelling and interactive plushies could be available by 2028. By then, generative AI could be safer and cheaper.
The New York Post also adds that, in order to ensure safety, there are some precautions to implement. These include disabling certain functionalities, such as the chat and camera, and enabling parental controls. It may also be important to read the privacy policy of the gadget and to ensure that the toy can be reset, which should be done if the child stops using the device.
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