Artificial intelligence is now moving from our phones and computers into the toy box, with products like “Gabbo” leading the charge. Marketed for kids over three, Gabbo is a plush, AI-powered robot capable of “endless conversations” and “educational playtime,” according to maker Curio. A viral unboxing video from parenting influencer Dani Austin Ramirez showed the toy cheerfully promising to teach “imagination, creativity, and fun,” sparking both fascination and unease among viewers. While some praised it as a fun, interactive learning tool, others voiced concern, calling it “innocent until it’s not” and comparing it to something out of a horror film. Curio insists its toys are built with “privacy and security at the forefront” and are KidSAFE listed, but the concept of a talking, listening AI companion for small children has many parents wondering where the line should be drawn.

The industry shows no signs of slowing down. In June, Mattel announced a partnership with OpenAI to develop “AI-powered products and experiences” for children, emphasizing safety, privacy, and age-appropriate content. Yet OpenAI’s own guidelines caution that its flagship ChatGPT is not intended for children under 13 and may produce content unsuitable for younger audiences, requiring parental consent and supervision for those aged 13 to 18. Advocates say AI toys can foster creativity, improve communication skills, and adapt to a child’s developmental stage, but critics warn that the more integrated these technologies become in playtime, the more children’s interactions, preferences, and even vulnerabilities could be collected, analyzed, and stored—raising important questions about safety, surveillance, and the future of childhood.

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SOURCE: Huffington Post