Teddy bears that read stories to children might sound like the plot of a horror movie, but according to Allan Wong, co-founder of toymaker VTech, it will soon be a reality. Wong predicts that within five years, teddy bears will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) that can provide a personalized storytelling experience for kids. Similar to a combination of ChatGPT and Furby, the AI-enabled toy would listen to the child’s every word and use that data to generate bedtime tales tailored specifically for them. Wong estimates that these smart teddies will hit the market in 2028, although he acknowledges that the possibilities of smart technology can be a bit unsettling.
VTech, Wong’s company, has previously come under scrutiny for the potential vulnerability of their smart toys to hacking. As the child grows more attached to their toy and reveals more about their daily life, the teddy bear would become increasingly intelligent. Wong explains that AI-enabled teddies would employ chatbot techniques to create custom stories for each child, freeing up parents for other activities. By incorporating information about the child’s name and daily routines, Wong believes the toy can act as a friendly companion, engaging in conversations with the child and offering responses.
While it is uncertain whether VTech is currently developing AI-enabled teddy bears, Wong states that the company closely monitors the potential of AI in their products. To function as intended, such a teddy bear would require a microphone to constantly listen to the child, as well as a speaker to interact with them, much like the popular Furby toy from the 1990s. The audio would be processed within the toy, allowing it to respond to the child’s input. Wong emphasizes that toymakers must consider the security and privacy concerns associated with such devices before bringing them to market. The teddy bear’s role as a trusted friend could cause a child to disclose very personal information that may potentially be transmitted back to the company.
Jake Moore, a security specialist at ESET, warns that such a gadget could expose sensitive data, including information about the child’s parents. He suggests that children need to be educated about the risks and taught how and when to limit the sharing of personal data. The potential risks of AI-enabled teddy bears have been previously highlighted by the 5rights Foundation, a London-based non-profit organization focused on safeguarding children online. As part of their campaign, they unveiled a range of imaginary toys called “Twisted Toys,” which demonstrated the potential dangers of smart devices for children. These toys included a Share Bear that collected and shared a child’s data and a Pocket Troll that constantly criticized the child. Wong acknowledges that generative AI, such as ChatGPT, which can create new content, is not yet mature enough to be used in toys. He believes that resolving privacy concerns and waiting for technology costs to decrease are necessary steps before AI-enabled teddy bears become commercially viable.
The popularity of generative AI has grown significantly following the release of Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT. This success reportedly caused concern at Google, leading them to develop their own language model called Bard. Bard performed well when compared to ChatGPT in tests conducted by MailOnline. Additionally, other companies and search engines, such as Snapchat, You.com, and Baidu, have their own AI models integrated into their platforms.
Various Chinese companies, including Alibaba, SenseTime, and Baidu, are actively working on AI technologies similar to ChatGPT. These developments range from integrating large language models into apps and voice assistants to enhancing search engines and household appliances. The ongoing research and development of language models by these companies suggest a continued push for advancements in AI technology.
In conclusion, the future arrival of AI-enabled teddy bears that personalize bedtime stories appears imminent. With the potential to revolutionize the interaction between children and toys, these smart teddies aim to become trusted companions that engage in conversations and offer customized experiences. However, concerns regarding security, privacy, and data protection need to be addressed before these toys become mainstream. As technology continues to advance, companies around the world, including Chinese firms, are investing in and exploring the possibilities of generative AI.
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