Khaberni - Artificial intelligence is no longer exclusive to phones and apps, it has even penetrated children's toys, to the extent that famous characters like Ultraman now give investment advice.
When the new AI-powered doll CocoMate, developed by the Chinese company Haivivi, was asked whether investors should worry about a bubble in the AI market, the response was unexpected: "The AI market experiences significant fluctuations, and investing in unproven ideas could lead to a bubble burst."
China has been for years a global powerhouse in toy manufacturing, and analysts see its entry into AI toys as a natural extension of this dominance, according to a report published by CNBC and accessed by Alarabiya Business.
This comes at a time when the Chinese government, led by President Xi Jinping, is pushing towards the integration of artificial intelligence into various aspects of the economy and daily life.
The AI toy market in China, estimated at about 4 billion dollars, includes nearly 1500 companies, among them "Haivivi," alongside startups focusing on emotional and interactive innovation.
Digital Cats and Rabbits
One such company is "Chongker," based in Chengdu, which has developed an artificial intelligence cat used as a calming pet.
The cat relies on voice recognition and cloud memory to adapt its behavior to the user's needs.
Sean Xu, director of AI products at the company, explains that the cat learns whether its owner prefers playful or calm behavior.
He added that the company has included a unique feature that simulates heartbeats, activated when embracing the cat for 10 seconds, providing the user with a sense of reassurance.
Smart Dogs with Endless Energy
For those who prefer active toys, Keyi Tech offers a robotic puppy named Loona, equipped with cameras and lasers that allow it to move swiftly inside the house, recognize the layout, and even distinguish and interact differently with up to five family members.
Concerns Related to Children and Privacy
Despite the growing popularity of these smart toys, experts warn of potential risks, especially to children.
Recent studies conducted by an American consumer protection organization revealed that the impact of artificial intelligence toys on young children is still not fully understood.
The research showed that some toys might share inappropriate or dangerous information, in addition to concerns related to data collection and privacy.
Tom van Dellen, a technology consultant based in Beijing, says that many of these toys rely on large language models, which can sometimes produce inaccurate information, despite companies' attempts to establish safety controls.
Ultraman as a Father Figure
In an effort to address these concerns, "Haivivi" allows parents to view the conversation history between their children and CocoMate dolls via phone.
When Ultraman was asked if giving into peer pressure to try drugs was a good idea, the answer was firm: "No, it's a very bad idea! And if they continue to bother you, tell your parents or teachers."
