Toymaker predicts AI teddy bears reading personalized bedtime stories to children in 5 years.

AI Teddy Bears: The Future of Children’s Toys?

Get ready for a new generation of teddy bears! According to a leading toymaker, parents might soon find themselves dealing with their children begging for teddy bears equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that can have conversations and even instill values.

Allan Wong, the CEO of VTech Holdings, a Hong Kong-based toy and electronics company, recently revealed that they are closely exploring the use of AI in children’s toys. In an interview with the Financial Times, Wong admitted that the idea is “a little scary,” but they are looking at incorporating ChatGPT-style intelligence into toys by 2028.

Imagine a teddy bear that not only knows your child’s name but also their daily activities, school, and friends. It can tell stories and have conversations like a good friend. Kids can talk to the toy, and it can respond back. The possibilities are endless!

Wong also mentioned that AI could generate customized stories for children, replacing traditional books. However, the current technology behind ChatGPT is still too expensive for children’s toys. But Wong believes that within the next five years, the price will come down, making it feasible for toy manufacturers to incorporate AI chips into their products.

Of course, there are concerns to address. Wong acknowledges that generative AI is not yet mature enough for kids’ toys, and privacy is a significant issue. For the teddy bear to have conversations with children, it would require a microphone. This raises questions about privacy and data security. The Daily Mail highlights the potential risks of children sharing personal information with the toy.

Wong emphasizes the need to be cautious about the dangers associated with AI toys. He suggests considering privacy, security, and the values that these toys might teach children. Security specialist Jake Moore warns that when inputting information into AI algorithms, such as a child’s name and interests, the data is stored, analyzed, and potentially shared with third parties.

Another concern some parents may have is the alleged left-leaning bias of AI software. Reports of chatbots providing liberal answers, even on topics like gender ideology, have been frequent in the past year. Wong assures that these smart toys would be able to teach and instill values, but it remains to be seen how this aspect will be handled.

It’s worth noting that even Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed concerns about the dangers of AI. In an interview with Fox News, Musk warned about the potential for “civilization destruction” if AI is not properly regulated.

While the future of AI teddy bears is exciting, it’s essential to approach this technology with caution and ensure that privacy and security are prioritized.

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