A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge has called for stricter regulation of toys with AI capabilities after investigating how children play with them.
The research team investigated how a small sample of young children interacted with an AI-powered toy called Gabbo. Powered by a voice-controlled chatbot using OpenAI technology, Gabbo can speak to and respond to children.
Researchers say the responses provided by AI models can cause confusion during the early stages of young children’s social development.
The researchers warned that not only would children’s voices be difficult to understand and record, but reactions to more emotional expressions from children would be negative or confusing.
discuss research BBC News, Professor Jenny Gibson, co-author of the study, said: “Historically, the emphasis has been on physical safety. We don’t want toys that people can swallow without looking at them. Now we need to start thinking about psychological safety as well.”
The report encourages parents who have purchased AI toys for their children to only allow them to be used in their presence, and more broadly calls for strict testing and regulatory standards for these products before they are sold.
