AI-Powered Toys Could Be Dangerous for Kids

Children’s toys are no longer just soft plush toys or dolls—they can now be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) and talk. Using WiFi, they listen to children’s questions and respond in real time, CNN reports.

However, this can sometimes be dangerous. FoloToy’s Kumma bear, powered by OpenAI GPT-4o, gave children potentially unsafe advice and engaged in inappropriate sexual topics. OpenAI temporarily suspended the product and re-released it after conducting a safety review. Experts warn that toys using full AI conversation systems can provide inaccurate or harmful information.

Currently, the market includes AI toys such as Curio Grok, Miko robots, Poe story bear, and Loona robot pets. However, most of them can only interact as friends with children, have limited educational value, and sometimes give incorrect responses.

According to PIRG, AI toys are not yet ready for widespread use due to unstable responses, addictive features, and the potential to provide unsafe information. For example, the Miko 3 robot has a facial recognition camera and offers educational programs.

Experts say that manufacturers need to implement strict safety measures to make AI toys safe for children.