AI-powered stuffed animals are coming for your kids

Are AI-driven chatbots embedded in adorable plush toys a practical alternative to screen time for children? Companies promoting these AI companions certainly think so, but concerns have been raised regarding their impact on child development. In a recent demonstration, Amanda Hess from The New York Times experienced Grem, a plush toy created by the startup Curio. During her interaction with Grem, Hess felt a sense of unease, realizing that she wouldn’t be comfortable introducing this toy to her own children. She described the experience, noting that Grem seemed less like a lively upgrade to a traditional teddy bear and more like a substitute for human interaction. Hess argued that while these talking toys may distract children from screens, they inadvertently suggest that the ultimate source of curiosity and engagement lies within their devices. Although she initially hesitated, Hess eventually allowed her children to interact with Grem, albeit after removing the voice box to mitigate her concerns. Despite her precautions, the children enjoyed playing with it, engaging in conversations and games, before transitioning back to watching television.