Hubbry Logo
Smart toySmart toyMain
Open search
Smart toy
Community hub
Smart toy
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Smart toy
Smart toy
Smart toy
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

A smart toy is an interactive artificially intelligent toy which effectively has its own intelligence by virtue of on-board electronics. These enable it to learn, behave according to preset patterns, and alter its actions depending upon environmental stimuli and user input. Typically, it can adjust to the abilities of the player. A modern smart toy has electronics consisting of one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, volatile and/or non-volatile memory, storage devices, and various forms of input–output devices.[1] It may be networked together with other smart toys or a personal computer in order to enhance its play value or educational features.[2][3] Generally, the smart toy may be controlled by software which is embedded in firmware or else loaded from an input device such as a USB flash drive, Memory Stick or CD-ROM.[4] Smart toys frequently have extensive multimedia capabilities, and these can be utilized to produce a realistic, animated, simulated personality for the toy. Some commercial examples of smart toys are Amazing Amanda, Furby and iDog.[5] The first smart-toy was the Mego Corporation's 2-XL robot (2XL), invented in the 1970s [6][7][8]

Common confusions

[edit]
In the 1978 75th Anniversary Cover story of Playthings Magazine, showed the demarcation between toys that kids played with, and the advent of smart-toy, that could play back.

Smart toys are frequently confused with toys for which it is claimed that children who play with them become smarter. Examples are educational toys that may or may not provide on-board intelligence features.[9] A toy which merely contains a media player for telling the child a story should not be classified as a smart toy even if the player contains its own microprocessor. What best distinguishes a smart toy is the way the on-board intelligence is holistically integrated into the play experience in order to create simulated human-like intelligence or its facsimile.[10]

History

[edit]

Smart toys have their early roots in clockworks such as those of the eighteenth and nineteenth century cuckoo clocks, music boxes of the nineteenth, and Disney audio-animatronics of the twentieth. Perhaps the biggest early contribution is from novelty and toy makers from the 1800s who made automatons such as Vaucanson's mechanical duck, von Kempelen's The Turk, and the Silver Swan. All pre-twentieth-century precursors had in common that they were mechanical contrivances. By the second half of the 1900s toys featuring built-in media players became common. For example, Mattel introduced a variety of dolls in the 1960s and 1970s that used a pull string activated talking device to make the dolls "talk" such as the talking Crissy doll and Chatty Cathy.

However, it remained until the introduction of the microprocessor in the mid-1970s for smart toys to come into their own. Texas Instrument's Speak & Spell which came on the market in the late 1970s was one of the first full-featured smart toys. The device is similar to a very limited laptop with LED read-out. It is used for spelling games and guessing a "mystery code". It speaks and makes a variety of sound effects. Another early example is Teddy Ruxpin, a robotic teddy bear, which came out in the 1980s. It reads children's stories via a recording device built into its back and swivels its eyes and mouth.

Even the earliest toys, from the nineteenth century on, have in common with their modern-day smart toy counterparts that they appear to be sentient and lifelike, at least to the extent possible using the technology available at the time. Contemporary smart toys utilize speech recognition and activation; that is, they appear to comprehend and react to words that are spoken.[11] Through speech synthesis, smart toys speak prerecorded words and phrases. These kinds of technologies, when combined together, animate the toys and give them a lifelike persona.[12][13]

Another hardware feature of modern smart toys is sensors which enable the smart toy to be aware of what is going on in its environment. These permit the toy to tell its orientation, determine if it is being played with indoors or outdoors, and know who is playing with it based upon the strength of the squeeze the child's hand gives it or similar factors. A typical example is Lego Mindstorms, a series of robotic-like devices, which integrate LEGO pieces with sensors and accessories. These toys include microcontrollers which control the robots. They are pre-programmed by a personal computer and utilize light and touch sensors along with accelerometers. Accelerometers and temperature, pressure and humidity sensors, can also be used to create various effects by smart toy designers.[14]

The development of smart toys received a major boost in 1998 when semiconductor manufacturer, Intel, and toy maker, Mattel, Inc. entered into a joint venture to open a Smart Toy Lab in Portland, Oregon. This led to products that were marketed under the Intel Play brand. The first product in the line was the QX3 Computer Microscope. The Lab evolved into a toy company known today as Digital Blue, a division of Prime Entertainment, Inc. of Marietta, GA.[15]

Controversies

[edit]

Widespread commercialization of smart toys is mainly a 21st-century phenomenon. As they have gained acceptance in the marketplace, controversy has been brewing. One of the chief criticisms has been that despite often being technical marvels, many smart toys have only limited play value.[16] In short, these toys neither involve the child in play activity nor do they stimulate the imagination.[17] Consequently, regardless of store-shelf attractiveness, the child tires quickly of them after only one or two play sessions, and the parents' investment is largely wasted.[18] Stevanne Auerbach, in her book Smart Play—Smart Toys introduces the notion of Play Quotient or simply PQ.

Auerbach criticizes smart toys for often having low PQs. PQ is a rating system based upon a weighted average constructed from a comprehensive list of play value attributes. Playthings with higher PQs are desirable from the standpoint of stimulating the child's imagination, creativity, and inquisitiveness. Generally, children choose to play with these products over and over again. Those toys with low PQs are quickly set aside. The child finds them boring and uninteresting.[19]

Many child development experts prefer open-ended toys such as construction toys, blocks, dolls, etc. over smart toys. For example, a cardboard box that the child turns into a pretend play house will be played with continuously by the child for many hours whereas an expensive smart toy can quickly exhaust the child's interest once its novelty has worn off.[20]

Jillian Trezise typifies the attitude often taken by child development specialists and educators towards smart toys, "...if kids can't take their expensive toys to the sandpit or open them up to see how they work, then they don't provide much educational value. All they do is entertain and they don't hold young people's attention for very long."

Another implicit concern about smart toys is that even when they hold the child's attention they could become so entertaining that parents may be tempted to turn over some of the child-rearing to the smart toys. Thus, children will be deprived of needed parental attention. In other words, because of their strong multimedia capabilities children may watch presentations provided by the smart toys and be entertained, but will not really play with the devices nor be otherwise engaged by them.

Judy Shackelford, a toy industry veteran, has a more positive view regarding smart toys. She cautions that children may even be deprived should they be not exposed to them. She sees smart toys as part of the surrounding environment that children will need to adapt to as they mature. Should they not be given access to these kinds of toys, they may become less well adapted to thrive and benefit as technology evolves.

Smart toy advocates also point to research indicating that children learn more effectively with good interactive software. This seems to support the idea that smart toys may have many educational benefits as well.[21]

There have been increasing concerns that smart toys, especially ones that directly connect to the Internet, are becoming easy targets for cybercriminals, who can use hacking to easily obtain personal data collected from a smart toy, especially personal names.[22][23][24] For example, smart toys such as Niantic's Pokémon Go collects the user's geo-locations and Mattel's Hello Barbie collects audio recordings.[25]

Industry

[edit]

Market research company GfK Australia found that parents are spending record amounts on electronic and interactive toys.[26]

Mark Allen states that the greatest impediment to the further growth of the smart toy industry is the lack of development of artificial intelligence and speech recognition. At their present stage of evolution smart toys really can't learn so they are limited to predefined actions and speech. Present artificial intelligence capabilities are too expensive to implement in a toy, but this will change as computational power and speed come down in price. Eventually, this will result in cheaper technology, enhanced functionality, and a richer play experience. Some toy designers think it could be five years or more before the technology is cheap enough to be widely available.[27]

Others have cited the high cost of MEMS-based sensors and actuators as a factor constraining the rapid development of smart toys. These costs are expected to come down eventually also, thereby helping toy companies to hit their price targets.[28]

According to figures from the NPD Group, at the end of 1999, the smart toy segment made up 2.5 percent of the $23 billion toy market.[29]

The smart toy industry grew out of several other product categories, which include children's software, electronic toys, and video games. A 2001 Forrester Research study projected that the smart toy segment would grow to more than $2 billion by the year 2003. Factors enhancing the growth of the smart toy segment include the greatly more sophisticated tastes of children today as well as the spread of home PCs.[30]

A 2005 market research study by Tangull America LLC of New York, NY indicated that toys with embedded information technologies—that is, nano, bio and cognitive technologies—are growing over 15% annually, and will grow to sales of US $146 billion by 2015. As an example, one of the "smart toys" the study cites are "interactive puppets" that become "real playmates" through the combination of artificial intelligence and ultrafine sensors. The latter can measure changes in facial expressions, movements, and environment and the puppets react accordingly.[31]

Selection criteria

[edit]

The issue of balance is often mentioned in connection with smart toys—namely, that their use should be kept in proportion with other play activities. They should also be age appropriate and not become a substitute for interaction with parents. Playing with smart toys should be a supplement, not a replacement, for traditional play activities.[32][33]

Stevanne Auerbach emphasizes smart toys which have strong play value for the child, and are the "right toy at the right time." She does not favor those toys which fail to encourage discovery and exploration. Auerbach quips that "a toy playing with a child, as opposed to a child playing with a toy, is not beneficial for the child.[34]

Those toys that give the child control over interaction are best according to some child development researchers. Kiely Gouley argues that "...some of these toys are very entertaining and they make the child a passive observer." She continues: "...you want the child to engage with the world. If the toy does everything if it sings and beeps and shows pictures, what does the child have to do?"

Smart toys should have very clean, easy-to-understand and navigate user interfaces. Claire Lerner, a child-development specialist, says that pretend play can be inhibited by highly structured toys: "They superimpose someone else's story on the kids. So kids don't develop their imaginations." In her view, simpler toys are preferable, because they are more flexible.[35]

From a designer of smart toy's viewpoint, this means that in order to achieve simplicity technologies need to be combined so as to render a very naturalistic user interface within the limits of other design constraints.

Children by nature are unpredictable and often fail to follow the same rules followed by adults. One of the tasks of the designer is to anticipate ways that interaction with children can fail to be as expected and to guide the user into one of the expected responses. This can be achieved by giving the child options to select and other types of cues to follow.

For parents and child development specialists alike, the task remains to select the right toys at the right time. However, from the toy designer's standpoint, the challenge is to identify the best technologies at a feasible cost, and then to develop products around those capabilities and limitations of the technologies used in smart toys.[36]

Anthropologist David Lancy argues that parent-child play is largely an artifact of wealthy developed countries not practiced by most of the world's population. It results from competitive pressures to ready children for survival in an information-based economy. He views the promotion of interaction between parents and children in "play activities" as a form of cultural imperialism practiced by the upper and upper middle class upon lower income socioeconomic strata. This is possibly one reservation on a completely unrestricted view that parents should always be involved in selecting appropriate smart toys for their children.[37]

[edit]

Smart toys are a relatively new but growing theme in popular culture, most notably (but not always) in the horror fiction genre. Notable examples include the Black Mirror episode "Rachel, Jack and Ashley Too", which features a smart toy modelled after a famous fictional pop idol, the 2022 film M3GAN, which features a smart toy resembling a little girl designed as a "friend" for real children, the 2024 TV series Sunny, which features a domestic assistance robot (homebot), the 1998 film Small Soldiers, in which fictitious company Globotech Industries uses a smart chip to give their toys personality and a life of their own, and 51N3RG.Y (pronounced "Synergy"), a small benevolent robot appearing in Jem and the Holograms. While earlier films from the 2000s explored the idea of artificial intelligence used to mimic life, such as AIA in Afraid and Edgar in Electric Dreams, the Red and White Queens in the Resident Evil film series or "Simone" (S1M0NE) in Simone, the exploration of such technology in the realm of smart toys is still a growing and fairly recent territory in fiction.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Smart toy

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A smart toy is a physical plaything equipped with embedded electronic components, such as sensors, microprocessors, and often connectivity, enabling it to detect user , process , and deliver adaptive, interactive responses that extend beyond traditional mechanical functions. These devices typically combine tangible elements with to facilitate two-way engagement, allowing the toy to learn from or react to a child's actions in real time. Smart toys have proliferated since the integration of (IoT) technologies and , offering potential educational advantages including the development of like and problem-solving through programmable interactions. Examples include robotic companions that teach basic coding or respond to verbal cues, which studies indicate can enhance fine motor skills and social behaviors in settings. However, their reliance on via cameras, microphones, and location tracking introduces substantial risks, as these features can expose children's personal information to breaches, unauthorized sharing, or exploitation. Key controversies center on vulnerabilities, with research highlighting how smart toys function as potential devices by aggregating behavioral without robust safeguards, prompting calls for stricter and regulatory oversight. Despite claims of developmental benefits, empirical analyses reveal uneven evidence for long-term learning gains, underscoring the need for designs prioritizing over connectivity.

Definition and Core Features

Technological Foundations

Smart toys incorporate embedded hardware and software to enable dynamic interactions beyond passive play, primarily through sensors that detect physical inputs and environmental changes, microcontrollers for local processing, and connectivity protocols for external integration. Core hardware components include various sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, microphones, cameras, , color, , position, , touch, , and ultrasonic types, which allow toys to perceive user actions like movement, voice commands, or proximity. These sensors enable real-time responsiveness, for instance, in toys like Curlybot or TagTiles that adjust behaviors based on detected gestures or positions. Actuators, such as motors and speakers, provide output feedback, completing the input-output loop for interactive experiences. Processing relies on microcontrollers or low-power system-on-chips to handle data and basic computations, often running embedded for . Tangible user interfaces form a foundational layer, embedding electronics like RFID tags or programmable bricks into physical objects for manipulation-driven , as seen in early examples like /Logo blocks that respond to assembly configurations. Software stacks typically include device-specific applications or companion mobile apps for configuration and extended functionality, with algorithms processing patterns from streams to enable adaptive behaviors, such as shape recognition in plush prototypes. Connectivity underpins networked capabilities via (BLE), , or IoT protocols, facilitating data exchange with cloud services or paired devices for updates, personalization, or multi-toy synchronization. IoT features allow toys like CogniToys Dino to access remote databases for content delivery, such as age-appropriate quizzes via wireless networks. overlays digital visuals onto physical toys using device cameras and markers, enhancing tangibility with virtual elements in systems like ColAR Mix. integration, though less prevalent in foundational designs, incorporates voice recognition, semantic analysis, and basic learning models for conversational or predictive responses, evolving from rule-based systems to data-driven adaptations. These elements collectively distinguish smart toys by embedding computational causality into play, where physical actions trigger programmed outcomes grounded in accuracy and algorithmic logic.

Distinctions from Traditional Toys

Smart toys integrate embedded electronic components, such as microprocessors, sensors (including motion, touch, and voice recognition), speakers, and sometimes cameras or displays, enabling real-time responsiveness to user actions that traditional toys—typically constructed from inert materials like wood, , or fabric without power sources—cannot provide. This hardware foundation allows smart toys to process inputs dynamically, generating , lights, or movements tailored to the interaction, whereas traditional toys rely solely on physical manipulation and the child's for engagement. A defining trait of smart toys is their connectivity via , , or (IoT) protocols, which links them to smartphones, apps, or cloud services for features like software updates, multiplayer interactions across devices, or —elements impossible in disconnected traditional toys. This enables advanced functionalities, including for conversational responses or adaptive gameplay that evolves based on user patterns, shifting play from static, open-ended scenarios to algorithmically guided experiences. Consequently, smart toys often collect and transmit usage , such as play duration or preferences, to enable or parental monitoring, introducing digital tracking layers absent in traditional toys that offer no output or remote oversight. While traditional toys promote unrestricted, battery-independent exploration fostering motor skills and creativity through physical affordances alone, smart toys' reliance on electricity and programming can limit play to predefined responses, potentially reducing opportunities for unscripted parent-child verbal exchanges documented in studies comparing electronic and non-electronic playthings.

Historical Development

Early Electronic Precursors (Pre-2000)

The introduction of electronic components into toys during the late 1970s represented an initial shift from purely mechanical playthings to devices incorporating computation, sound synthesis, and basic interactivity, laying groundwork for later smart toys through embedded processors and user-responsive features. ' Speak & Spell, released in 1978, utilized via the TMC0280 chip to pronounce words and provide spelling feedback, enabling children aged 7 and older to practice over 200 words through games and quizzes on a handheld LCD device. Similarly, ' handheld, also launched in 1978, featured a calculator-like interface with red LEDs for six logic and skill-based games including and , powered by simple integrated circuits that responded to button inputs without cartridges. By the mid-1980s, added expressive movement to electronic toys, enhancing perceived interactivity. Worlds of Wonder's , introduced in 1985 at $69.99, was a cassette-playing that synchronized eye and mouth movements with audio storytelling tapes, achieving sales of over $93 million in its debut year through basic servo motors and audio playback circuits. Educational kits like Radio Shack's Electronic Project Lab from the late 1970s further promoted hands-on electronics, allowing assembly of circuits with LEDs, resistors, and switches to demonstrate logic gates and sensors, fostering early understanding of computational principles. Approaching 2000, toys began simulating adaptive behaviors via sensors and programming. ' , released in October 1998 for $35–$40, incorporated infrared communication, microphones, and touch sensors to "learn" English from its proprietary Furbish language, respond to petting or darkness, and interact with other Furbies, driven by a that randomized responses for . VTech's PreComputer 1000, debuted in 1988, offered and quizzes on a 20-character LCD, connecting to TVs for expanded educational modules and bridging handheld electronics to proto-computing interfaces. These devices, while limited by era-specific hardware like 8-bit processors and no , demonstrated causal links between user inputs and toy outputs, influencing subsequent integrations of AI and connectivity in smart toys.

Rise of Connected Toys (2000-2015)

The proliferation of broadband in households during the early enabled the initial fusion of physical toys with digital platforms, marking the onset of connected toys. Manufacturers shifted from standalone electronic features to hybrid models linking tangible playthings to online experiences, driven by rising among children and parents. This era's innovations relied on code-based rather than real-time connectivity, reflecting technological constraints like limited mobile and nascent standards. A pivotal milestone occurred on , 2005, when Canadian company Ganz launched , plush animals bundled with unique access codes for an online where users cared for digital counterparts, played mini-games, and customized habitats. The platform's Flash-based interface quickly amassed popularity, achieving one million concurrent players and over $100 million in revenue by 2006, with toy sales exceeding two million units cumulatively by that point. By 2007, boasted more than six million registered users, illustrating how code-linked online persistence extended toy lifespans and boosted repeat engagement through scheduled digital maintenance like feeding virtual pets. Peak traffic reached 3.2 million unique daily visitors on 2009, underscoring the model's amid growing U.S. and Canadian adoption. Subsequent developments emphasized data interchange over persistent worlds. In 2010, introduced Video Girl , a with an embedded camera in its for first-person video recording, which connected via USB to computers for uploading, editing, and playback of up to 25 minutes of footage using compatible software. Priced at around $100, it targeted creative play but elicited privacy concerns due to the camera's concealability, prompting an FBI public alert in December 2010 warning of potential exploitation risks by predators accessing uploaded content. Despite such scrutiny, the doll highlighted emerging toy-computer interfaces, with sales reflecting initial hype before regulatory and parental backlash tempered momentum. By mid-decade, the connected toy segment showed signs of maturation, though indicated volatility; NPD Group reported a 41% drop for web-linked play toys through , attributed to saturation and economic downturns following the 2008 recession. Nonetheless, these early efforts laid causal foundations for later wireless paradigms, as smartphone adoption post-2007 hinted at app-based expansions, with Webkinz-inspired models influencing competitors in educational and companion categories. Empirical uptake correlated with U.S. penetration surpassing 50% of households by 2007, enabling sustained digital-physical synergies without requiring advanced hardware in toys themselves.

AI and IoT Integration (2016-Present)

In 2016, the integration of (AI) and (IoT) technologies advanced smart toys beyond basic connectivity, enabling real-time data processing, adaptive responses, and cloud-based interactions. Toys began incorporating AI algorithms for voice recognition, , and to personalize play experiences, while IoT facilitated seamless connectivity to smartphones, apps, and servers for firmware updates and data analytics. This period marked a shift from static electronic features to dynamic, responsive systems that could learn from user inputs, such as adjusting difficulty levels in educational games or simulating emotional responses in companion robots. A pivotal example was Mattel's Hello Barbie doll, launched in 2016, which utilized AI-powered and via to engage children in conversational dialogues, storing interactions for later personalization. The doll's IoT features allowed integration with mobile apps for and content updates, though it relied on external servers for processing complex queries. Similarly, Hot Wheels introduced the AI Intelligent Race System Starter Kit that year, employing IoT sensors along tracks to enable AI-driven race management, including and adaptive speed controls for multiple vehicles. Anki's robot, also debuting in 2016, combined AI with IoT connectivity to recognize facial expressions, play games, and evolve behaviors based on repeated interactions, demonstrating early in toys. By the late , IoT vulnerabilities—such as unencrypted data transmission—prompted regulatory scrutiny and a temporary decline in fully connected toys, with some manufacturers pivoting to hybrid models featuring local AI processing to reduce cloud dependency. Despite this, AI advancements persisted, incorporating neural networks for , as seen in robots like WowWee's MiP series evolutions, which used IoT for app-linked programming and AI for balance and obstacle avoidance. Market data reflects sustained growth, with the global smart AI toys sector valued at approximately USD 12.1 billion in and projected to reach USD 36.4 billion by 2030, fueled by IoT-enabled scalability and AI enhancements in STEM-focused products. Into the 2020s, deeper AI-IoT fusion emerged, with toys leveraging large language models and edge AI for offline capabilities supplemented by optional cloud syncing. In June 2025, announced a partnership with to develop next-generation AI toys, aiming to integrate generative AI for creative and scenarios connected via IoT ecosystems. Chinese manufacturers like Mego released the in recent years, an AI companion that monitors biometric cues through IoT wearables to tailor educational content dynamically. These developments prioritize low-latency interactions, with AI handling on-device inference for privacy-sensitive tasks while IoT enables ecosystem , though empirical assessments of long-term efficacy remain tied to controlled studies rather than broad claims.

Types and Examples

Educational and Skill-Building Toys

Educational smart toys incorporate sensors, connectivity, and programmable elements to facilitate learning in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), coding, and problem-solving. These devices often pair physical components with mobile applications or software platforms, allowing children to interact with virtual simulations or receive real-time feedback on their actions. Unlike tools, they emphasize active engagement, where users manipulate hardware to execute commands, fostering skills like logical sequencing and . For instance, Sphero's programmable robotic balls, launched in 2013, enable users aged 8 and above to via block-based or text-based languages, integrating with curricula to teach physics concepts through and obstacle . Prominent examples include Wonder Workshop's Dash and Dot robots, introduced in 2014, which support ages 5-10 in developing and creativity through app-controlled challenges that involve drawing paths or responding to voice commands. Makeblock's mBot series, available since 2015, combines modular construction with Arduino-compatible programming to build robots that perform tasks like line-following, promoting engineering principles and electronics assembly for children as young as 8. These toys have been adopted in educational settings, with Sphero reporting deployment in over 40,000 schools by 2020 for PK-12 STEM instruction. Empirical evaluations indicate that such toys can enhance specific cognitive outcomes when integrated into structured play. A 2021 systematic review of 50 studies on smart toys in and identified key affordances, including overlays for spatial reasoning and AI-driven personalization for adaptive difficulty, leading to improved and retention in subjects like . Similarly, a 2024 Frontiers in analysis of multi-sensory smart toys found moderate improvements in children's learning efficiency and interest, particularly in sensory-motor skill integration, based on controlled experiments with preschoolers. However, depends on adult facilitation, as use may limit deeper skill transfer, per guidelines from a 2019 design study on preschool smart toys.
  • Coding Robots: Devices like WhalesBot E7, released in 2023, use AI to teach movement algorithms and interaction, suitable for ages 8-12 in advanced labs.
  • Interactive STEM Kits: Botzees blocks, developed for ages 4+, combine coding with to build functional robots, emphasizing trial-and-error learning.
While peer-reviewed evidence supports targeted benefits, broader claims of universal skill-building require caution, as outcomes vary by implementation and child age, with stronger results in guided environments over free play.

Interactive Entertainment Toys

Interactive entertainment toys represent a subset of smart toys optimized for recreational play, leveraging sensors, audio outputs, and wireless connectivity to generate dynamic responses that enhance user engagement without emphasizing didactic goals. These devices often simulate companionship or competitive scenarios, responding to physical manipulations, voice commands, or app integrations to create immersive, repeatable fun. For instance, embedded and accelerometers detect petting or tilting, triggering expressive animations or that encourage prolonged interaction. Prominent examples include AI-driven robotic pets like the Interactive Robot, introduced by Keyi Tech in 2023, which employs facial recognition and to mimic pet behaviors such as following owners or performing tricks via voice-activated commands, thereby providing autonomous play sessions lasting up to 90 minutes per charge. Similarly, digital companions such as the Uni, released by Bandai Namco in 2023, allow users to care for evolving virtual creatures on a handheld device with connectivity, where neglect or interaction influences growth stages and mini-games, sustaining entertainment through randomized events and customization options. Connected playsets further exemplify this category, as seen in the ID Smart Track Kit launched by in 2019, which uses RFID technology in toy cars to enable app-synced racing simulations; vehicles accelerate or perform stunts based on track configurations scanned via , with performance data logged for replay and sharing among users. Interactive toys, such as those from the Little Live Pets series by since 2018, incorporate motion sensors and speakers to produce over 50 reactive sounds and movements when stroked or spoken to, emulating affectionate animal responses to stimulate role-playing scenarios. These toys distinguish themselves by prioritizing sensory feedback loops—such as haptic vibrations or LED mood indicators—that reinforce playful , where user actions directly yield unpredictable yet rewarding outcomes, differing from static toys by introducing variability through algorithmic responses. Adoption has grown with IoT advancements; for example, Warner Bros.' wireless smart wand, debuted in 2022 for the franchise, pairs with apps to cast spells via gesture detection, unlocking effects in compatible environments for thematic immersion. Empirical sales data indicate sustained demand, with interactive pet categories generating over $500 million annually by 2023, driven by their appeal in fostering unstructured, joy-focused play.

Robotic and Companion Toys

Robotic and companion toys represent a subset of smart toys featuring physical embodiments with actuators, sensors, and capabilities to enable autonomous movement, environmental perception, and interactive behaviors mimicking companionship or play partnership. These devices typically integrate , , and algorithms to respond to user inputs, recognize faces or voices, and adapt interactions over time, distinguishing them from static smart toys by their mobility and proactive engagement. Early prototypes emphasized novelty, such as Sony's robotic dog released in 1999, which used basic AI for pet-like responses to touch and voice but lacked advanced . Companion-oriented robotic toys prioritize emotional and , functioning as virtual playmates that converse, express simulated emotions, and encourage storytelling or empathy-building through generative AI and scripted dialogues. For instance, the robot, developed by Embodied and launched in 2020, employs to facilitate believable social interactions tailored for children aged 5-10, including emotional responsiveness to user cues like tone or facial expressions, with sessions designed to foster via guided activities. Similarly, Miko 3 and its successor Miko 4, introduced by Miko AI in 2018 and 2023 respectively, serve as AI companions for ages 5-10, offering voice-activated games, academic content delivery, and personality-driven chats powered by cloud-based AI, while incorporating for content filtering. Other prominent examples include Anki's Cozmo (2016) and Vector (2018), compact desktop robots with facial recognition, obstacle avoidance via cameras and sensors, and AI-driven autonomy for tasks like stacking blocks or exploring spaces, originally priced at $180 and $250, though Anki's bankruptcy in 2019 led to revival efforts by Digital Dream Labs in 2020 using original hardware. Robotic pet alternatives, such as LivingAI's Emo (2018) or Keyi Tech's Loona (2022), emulate animal companionship with expressive LED faces, petting responses, and idle behaviors like dancing or self-charging, leveraging edge computing for offline interactions to reduce latency. These toys often connect via apps for customization, but empirical observations from child-robot interaction studies indicate varied engagement: children perceive socially responsive robots as more intelligent due to speech capabilities, yet report distractions during tasks, with rapport building stronger under high social presence cues like eye contact simulation.
ExampleLaunch YearKey FeaturesTarget Age
2020Generative AI for emotional dialogue, social skill games5-10
Miko 42023Voice recognition, educational content, personality simulation5-10
Vector2018 (revived 2020)Autonomous navigation, facial ID, app integration8+
2018Pet-like expressions, offline AI behaviorsAll ages
2022Robotic dog mobility, interactive play modes8+
While these toys demonstrate technical feasibility for companionship, developmental psychology research highlights potential limitations, such as children's anthropomorphic attributions leading to blurred distinctions between robotic and living entities, as observed in interactions where behaviors toward robots mirrored those toward pets but with less consistent . Manufacturers like and Embodied emphasize data privacy through encrypted cloud processing, though real-world deployment reveals dependencies on connectivity for advanced AI features, constraining full in remote settings.

Benefits and Empirical Impacts

Cognitive and Skill Enhancements

Smart toys, equipped with sensors, , and real-time feedback mechanisms, facilitate targeted by adapting to a child's responses and providing scaffolded challenges that encourage iterative learning. Empirical studies indicate enhancements in problem-solving abilities, as children engage in sequential tasks that require testing and error correction, such as programming simple movements. For instance, coding toys have been shown to cultivate and algorithmic thinking in , with participants demonstrating measurable gains in sequencing and skills after short-term interventions. Visual-spatial skills also benefit from interactive smart toys involving construction and manipulation, where overlays or haptic feedback guide assembly processes. A quasi-experimental study of preschoolers using smart constructive games reported significant pre-post improvements in spatial orientation and tasks, attributed to the toys' integration of physical play with digital visualization. Similarly, robotics-based activities enhance like planning and inhibition control; children aged 6-8 exposed to robot programming sessions exhibited elevated performance on assessments compared to non-intervention groups. Language and memory skills receive support through conversational AI features in companion toys, which prompt vocabulary expansion via contextual dialogues and repetition prompts. Research on AI-interfaced robotic toys highlights gains in expressive language and recall, as sessions reinforce comprehension and sequential in toddlers. Multi-sensory smart toys further amplify these effects by combining auditory, visual, and tactile inputs, leading to heightened attention spans and retention rates in skill-building exercises. However, these enhancements are most pronounced in structured, adult-supervised use, with evidence drawn from small-scale trials suggesting causality through controlled comparisons rather than large longitudinal data.

Evidence from Studies and Real-World Outcomes

A involving 120 children demonstrated that interaction with multi-sensory educational toys, such as those incorporating tactile, auditory, and visual feedback, led to a 25% increase in task and a 15% improvement in retention of basic math concepts compared to groups using non-interactive materials, as measured by pre- and post-tests over eight weeks. Similarly, a of 25 studies on game-based learning tools, including app-integrated toys, reported moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 0.5-0.8) for cognitive outcomes like problem-solving and spatial reasoning in children aged 3-7. Coding toys, such as programmable robots, have been linked to enhanced logical thinking and sequencing skills in empirical interventions; for instance, a study of 80 kindergarteners using block-based coding devices showed statistically significant gains in executive function tasks (p < 0.01) after 12 sessions, outperforming control groups with traditional puzzles. These findings align with expert assessments rating interactive smart toys higher for fostering computational thinking than conventional playthings, though long-term transfer to non-digital contexts requires further validation. In real-world educational settings, deployment of smart toys like the in U.S. elementary classrooms has correlated with improved STEM proficiency scores; a 2023 district-level evaluation in 15 schools reported 18% higher performance in challenges among users versus non-users, attributed to iterative trial-and-error learning. However, broader outcome data reveal mixed results, with some interventions showing no superiority over low-tech alternatives for or sustained , underscoring that benefits depend on guided adult facilitation rather than autonomous play.

Risks, Criticisms, and Counterarguments

Privacy and Data Security Vulnerabilities

Smart toys, equipped with microphones, cameras, and connectivity, routinely collect sensitive from children, including voice recordings, location information, and behavioral patterns, which are transmitted to remote servers for processing. These devices often employ inadequate , default credentials, or unpatched , exposing users to unauthorized access, , and by hackers. In one documented case, the 2015 breach compromised profiles of 6.4 million users, including 2.1 million children under 13, revealing names, addresses, photos, and chat logs due to unencrypted databases and weak . The U.S. (FTC) subsequently fined $650,000 in 2018 for violating the (COPPA) by failing to implement reasonable security measures and obtaining verifiable parental consent. Similar vulnerabilities have enabled remote hacking of interactive dolls and companions. Mattel's Hello Barbie, launched in 2015, stored children's conversations on cloud servers accessible via , prompting security researchers to demonstrate exploits allowing audio interception and manipulation through and unencrypted transmissions. Critics highlighted risks of persistent listening modes and third-party without robust safeguards, exacerbating concerns over psychological manipulation or from captured personal disclosures. In 2017, the CloudPets plush toy line suffered a breach exposing 819,000 email-password pairs, 2.3 million voice messages from children, and partial data for 500,000 accounts, as the company's database was left unsecured and publicly accessible. This incident, affecting a product designed for parent-child voice messaging, underscored causal links between poor and mass data leaks, leading retailers like Amazon to delist the toys in 2018 amid ongoing cybersecurity flaws. Broader analyses reveal systemic issues, such as reliance on outdated protocols and insufficient updates, which persist despite regulatory scrutiny. A 2016 U.S. Commerce report examined multiple connected toys, finding that devices like the Smart Toy Bear transmitted audio unencrypted and stored credentials in , enabling potential real-time . Empirical evidence from these breaches indicates that children's serves as a high-value target for cybercriminals, with risks amplified by non-compliance with standards like COPPA, which mandates minimization and but lacks enforcement teeth against foreign manufacturers. While some industry responses include post-breach patches, recurring incidents demonstrate that inherent design trade-offs—prioritizing interactivity over fortification—sustain vulnerabilities, as unaddressed weak points in IoT ecosystems facilitate lateral attacks across connected home networks.

Developmental and Health Concerns

Research on electronic and interactive toys, which often incorporate features akin to those in smart toys such as automated responses and sensory stimuli, suggests potential disruptions to during play. In a peer-reviewed study, children aged 2-5 years with and without autism spectrum disorder produced significantly fewer words and lower lexical diversity when playing with electronic toys compared to non-electronic toys, with electronic play yielding an average of 1.5 unique words per minute versus 3.2 for traditional toys. This reduction is attributed to the toys' pre-programmed outputs dominating interaction, limiting opportunities for child-initiated vocalizations and responsiveness critical for expressive language growth. Attention and executive function may also be adversely affected, as fast-paced electronic stimuli in interactive toys can lead to shorter sustained focus compared to open-ended play with simpler toys. A 2023 systematic review linked prolonged engagement with screen-based or digitally interactive elements—common in smart toy ecosystems—to attentional deficits and reduced performance on developmental screening tests in toddlers, with children exposed to over 2 hours daily showing poorer . Empirical data indicate that environments cluttered with multiple electronic toys correlate with decreased play persistence and , as children switch activities more frequently amid distractions from lights, sounds, and algorithms designed for rapid engagement. Health risks extend to physical inactivity and potential psychosocial effects, though direct causation from smart toys remains understudied. Smart toys often promote sedentary interaction, contributing to broader trends where children engage in 8 hours less unstructured physical play weekly than two decades prior, elevating risks via reduced motor activity. Excessive use of connected devices, including those tied to smart toys via apps, has been associated with sleep disturbances and heightened anxiety in preschoolers, with meta-analyses reporting odds ratios of 1.5-2.0 for linked to over 1 hour of daily digital exposure. While radiofrequency emissions from wireless smart toys raise theoretical concerns for cellular health, no large-scale longitudinal studies as of 2024 establish causal links to adverse outcomes in children at typical exposure levels.

Responses to Criticisms: Overstated Fears vs. Verifiable Risks

Verifiable and risks in smart toys stem primarily from documented breaches and insecure handling practices. In November 2015, Electronics experienced a breach exposing personal from over 6.4 million children and parents, including names, addresses, emails, usernames, passwords, and profiles of children's voices and photos, due to unencrypted storage on cloud servers. Similarly, in February 2017, the CloudPets plush toy app suffered a breach compromising 816,000 accounts and over 2 million voice recordings of children, facilitated by hardcoded database credentials left exposed online. These cases illustrate causal vulnerabilities—such as weak and lack of —that enabled unauthorized access to sensitive child , underscoring the real potential for exploitation when toys connect to the internet without robust safeguards. In contrast, fears of pervasive, always-on by smart toys often exceed empirical substantiation, as many devices collect data episodically via apps rather than through continuous monitoring. For example, while some toys like those with raise concerns about unintended recordings, large-scale of routine audio spying leading to remains anecdotal rather than systemic; post-2017 incidents have declined in publicity despite market expansion, partly due to implemented fixes like better in newer models. Developmental criticisms, such as claims that interactive smart toys stifle or promote akin to screens, similarly lack specific causal links; general studies on toy abundance show reduced play quality with excess items, but smart toys' targeted feedback mechanisms have demonstrated enhancements in visual-spatial and logical skills in controlled trials, without corresponding of net . Attributing exaggerated alarm to media and narratives is warranted, as these amplify potential threats without quantifying rarity—breaches affect subsets of users, not the billions of toy interactions annually, and no verified epidemics of or predation trace directly to smart toys. Regulations like COPPA mandate for child data collection, though enforcement gaps persist; verifiable risks thus demand technical mitigations, such as and offline modes, rather than outright avoidance, as the causal chain from to widespread harm requires both breach occurrence and subsequent misuse, the latter unproven at scale.

Industry Dynamics

The global smart toys market was valued at USD 19.3 billion in 2024, with projections indicating growth at a (CAGR) of 14.4% from 2025 to 2034. Alternative estimates place the market at USD 21.40 billion in 2025, expanding to USD 38.20 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 12.40%. These figures reflect robust demand driven by technological integration in toys, though variances across reports stem from differing definitions of smart toys, which typically encompass interactive devices using AI, sensors, connectivity, and apps for enhanced play experiences. In the United States, the segment reached USD 4.7 billion in 2024, supported by strong penetration and STEM-focused product adoption. Growth is propelled by advancements in child-safe AI and large language models, parental shifts toward screen-free yet tools, and infrastructure improvements like enabling real-time premium features. Smartphone-connected toys accounted for 45% of revenue in 2024, while Wi-Fi-enabled products held a 52% share, underscoring connectivity as a core enabler. Online distribution channels dominated with 62% that year, growing at an 18.5% CAGR due to convenience and broader access to specialized offerings. Emerging trends include the rise of AI- and robotics-based toys, such as programmable devices like Sphero and , which emphasize skill-building through coding and problem-solving. Incorporation of (AR), (VR), and voice assistants (e.g., integrations with Alexa or ) further differentiates products, aligning with government-backed STEM initiatives and social media-driven awareness of educational play. Regionally, anticipates the highest expansion at a 14.9% CAGR, led by China's emphasis on , while benefits from smart home ecosystem synergies at 14.2%. maintains leadership with a 34% global share in 2024, fueled by innovation in app-powered educational toys.

Key Players and Innovations

Mattel, Inc. has been a prominent player in smart toys through products like the Hello Barbie doll, launched in 2015, which uses AI for voice-activated conversations and learning interactions, though subsequent models have incorporated enhanced data privacy features amid concerns. The contributes with programmable kits such as LEGO Spike Essential and Prime Hub, enabling children to build and code robots via companion apps, fostering STEM skills; these have evolved since 2019 to include AI-driven adaptability. Hasbro, Inc. innovates in interactive companion toys, exemplified by the line with responsive sensors and AI for pet , updated in recent iterations to include app connectivity for customized play experiences as of 2023. VTech Holdings, via its brand, dominates educational smart toys with devices like the LeapPad tablets, which integrate touchscreens, cameras, and AI-curated content libraries for age-specific learning, reporting over 100 million units sold globally by 2020. Sphero specializes in app-programmable robotic balls and kits, such as Sphero Mini and BOLT, which teach coding through control and obstacle navigation, with updates emphasizing into 2025. Emerging innovations include AI-enhanced personalization, where toys like those from ROYBI use for adaptive and language lessons tailored to individual progress, gaining traction in multilingual markets. integration, as seen in and collaborations, overlays digital elements on physical toys via smartphones, boosting engagement; market analyses project AR smart toys to drive 15-20% of sector growth by 2030. connectivity enables real-time data syncing for parental monitoring, though implementations vary in security protocols across players like , whose series has incorporated cloud-based updates for behavioral learning since 2022. These developments prioritize empirical educational outcomes, with studies linking such toys to measurable gains in problem-solving, albeit requiring robust empirical validation beyond manufacturer claims.

Consumer and Parental Considerations

Selection and Usage Criteria

Parents selecting smart toys should prioritize age appropriateness as determined by guidelines from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which evaluates factors such as developmental stage, physical hazards like small parts or choking risks, and cognitive demands to prevent injuries or frustration. For connected devices, verify compliance with the (COPPA), requiring verifiable parental consent for data collection from children under 13 and secure data handling. Key selection criteria include scrutinizing hardware features: toys with cameras, microphones, GPS, or connectivity demand extra caution due to potential unauthorized access, as evidenced by past vulnerabilities in devices like certain interactive dolls that exposed audio streams. Search for the toy's history of incidents or breaches by querying terms like "toy name + " before purchase, and review the manufacturer's for clarity on , sharing practices, and deletion options—policies from reputable firms often specify no third-party sales without consent, though enforcement varies. For educational merit, favor toys that actively engage problem-solving, , or physical interaction over passive screen-based input, aligning with developmental emphasizing hands-on play for cognitive growth; evaluate the manufacturer's with psychologists or of , such as STEM-focused toys tested for skill-building outcomes. Physical safety standards remain essential: ensure lead-free paints, flame-resistant fabrics if applicable, and washability for stuffed elements. Usage criteria emphasize supervision and configuration: limit play to monitored sessions, especially for preschoolers, to mitigate developmental risks like reduced social interaction from over-reliance on AI responses. Enable all upon setup, disable non-essential features like cameras or chat functions, and secure home with WPA3 and unique, strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access. Regularly update firmware for security patches, and educate children on not sharing personal information, fostering awareness without assuming device infallibility.
  • Privacy audit: Post-purchase, test data flows by reviewing app logs and opting out of unnecessary tracking.
  • Duration limits: Cap usage to 30-60 minutes daily to balance benefits against screen-time guidelines from pediatric associations.
  • Alternatives assessment: If risks outweigh gains, consider non-connected analogs that achieve similar educational ends with zero exposure.
These practices, drawn from pediatric and advocacy sources, underscore verifiable risks over unsubstantiated assurances, prioritizing empirical safeguards.

Mitigation Strategies for Risks

Manufacturers of smart toys can mitigate privacy and security risks by implementing privacy-by-design principles, such as minimizing data collection to essential functions only and employing for any transmitted data. Compliance with regulations like the U.S. (COPPA), enforced by the since 2000 and updated in 2013 to cover mobile apps and connected devices, requires verifiable before collecting personal information from children under 13, including from internet-connected toys. In the , the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), effective since May 25, 2018, imposes stricter data protection standards for minors, mandating explicit consent and data minimization for connected toys processing children's personal data. Industry groups like the Toy Association advocate for exceeding these baselines through regular security audits, automatic updates to patch vulnerabilities, and transparent privacy policies detailing data usage. For developmental and health risks, such as excessive screen exposure or reduced , producers should incorporate built-in timers or usage limits, as recommended in guidelines from organizations like the Toy Association, which emphasize balancing digital interaction with non-screen play to support cognitive and motor skill development. Empirical studies indicate that enforcing playtime restrictions—e.g., no more than 1-2 hours daily for children under 5—correlates with better sleep patterns and attention spans, countering potential overstimulation from always-on sensors. Parents can reduce vulnerabilities by conducting pre-purchase due diligence, including reviewing the toy's privacy policy for data-sharing practices and searching for reported breaches using terms like "toy name + data breach." Enabling all available parental controls, such as disabling microphones, cameras, and chat features when not actively supervised, prevents unauthorized audio or video capture; for instance, the FBI advised in 2017 that consumers prioritize toys with robust access controls to avoid eavesdropping risks. Securing the home network with strong, unique passwords, WPA3 encryption, and a segregated IoT subnet isolates toys from critical devices, while powering off unused toys eliminates persistent connectivity threats. Supervised play in common areas, combined with open discussions about device boundaries, further mitigates both privacy intrusions and over-dependence, with tools like IoT Inspector allowing real-time monitoring of outbound data traffic as demonstrated in 2024 testing of popular smart toys.
  • Key Parental Checklist:
    • Verify COPPA/GDPR compliance via app store listings or manufacturer sites.
    • Update immediately upon setup and enable auto-updates.
    • Limit and of non-essential features.
    • Balance with offline toys to address developmental concerns empirically linked to reduced physical engagement.
These strategies, when layered—regulatory enforcement, proactive design, and vigilant usage—verifiably lower incidence of breaches, as evidenced by fewer reported toy-related incidents in compliant markets post-GDPR implementation.

Future Outlook

Technological Advancements

Technological advancements in smart toys center on the integration of (AI) and (ML), which enable experiences by analyzing child interactions and customizing responses in real time. For example, AI algorithms can evaluate a child's performance on tasks and dynamically adjust difficulty levels or content delivery to optimize engagement and skill development. This personalization extends to conversational capabilities, where allows toys to engage in dynamic, context-aware dialogues beyond pre-programmed scripts, as seen in devices incorporating voice recognition for fluid interactions. Such features, powered by advancements in ML models trained on large datasets of child behaviors, facilitate STEM-focused play, including basic programming and problem-solving simulations. Sensor technologies, including motion detectors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and systems, have evolved to provide multimodal input detection, allowing toys to respond to physical gestures, environmental changes, and visual cues with greater precision. (IoT) connectivity further enhances this by linking toys to smartphones or cloud platforms via and , enabling data synchronization for progress tracking and multi-device ecosystems. Innovations in minimize latency in processing these inputs locally, reducing reliance on constant internet access while supporting features like real-time feedback loops. Augmented reality (AR) and represent frontier developments, overlaying digital elements onto physical toys for immersive experiences, such as virtual simulations of scientific experiments triggered by toy manipulation. Robotic components, incorporating servo motors and autonomous navigation, allow toys to perform independent actions, like in educational mazes, driven by integrated AI for . Ongoing of hardware and improvements in battery , including lithium-based cells optimized for high-drain AI operations, support longer play sessions without compromising functionality. These technologies collectively shift smart toys from passive entertainers to proactive educational tools, with prototypes demonstrating emotional response detection via facial analysis as of 2025.

Societal and Economic Implications

The integration of smart toys into markets has driven substantial within the toy and edtech industries, with the global market valued at USD 19.3 billion in 2024 and forecasted to grow at a of 14.4% through 2034, propelled by demand for AI-enhanced interactive features and IoT connectivity. This trajectory reflects broader economic shifts toward digital goods, encouraging capital inflows into hardware manufacturing, app development, and data analytics, though it simultaneously burdens households with —smart variants often costing 200-500% more than analog equivalents—potentially straining middle- and low-income budgets amid stagnant in many regions. Economically, the sector perpetuates inequality by widening the , as access to smart toys correlates with ; lower-income families exhibit reduced adoption due to prohibitive upfront costs, unreliable , and heightened privacy apprehensions, thereby limiting educational and cognitive benefits to wealthier demographics and entrenching early-life disparities in acquisition. Empirical observations indicate that advantaged households leverage these devices for supplemental learning, while disadvantaged ones default to traditional play, amplifying long-term gaps in and technological familiarity that influence future employability in automation-prone economies. Societally, smart toys facilitate unprecedented harvesting from children, with analyses of popular models revealing routine transmission of voice recordings, , and behavioral patterns to third-party servers, often without verifiable parental opt-in or standards compliant with regulations like COPPA, fostering a landscape of latent risks including hacking and unauthorized profiling. Documented cases of toy-captured media resurfacing in child exploitation materials highlight causal pathways from lax device security to real-world harms, challenging foundational norms of childhood and parental oversight. Developmental implications remain empirically contested: targeted interventions, such as AI companions aiding in school-aged children, yield measurable self-soothing gains post-conflict, yet aggregate favors unconnected toys for cultivating intrinsic social competencies through sociodramatic , suggesting smart variants may inadvertently erode imaginative, peer-mediated play essential for and . This tension underscores a broader cultural pivot toward tech-mediated childhoods, where profit-driven via harvested risks normalizing commodified interactions over organic exploration, with downstream effects on societal trust in institutions handling juvenile information.

References

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S221286892200023X
  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274637154_Smart_Toy_Based_Learning
  3. https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/internet-of-toys-for-young-children/94830
  4. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/18/8653
  5. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3173225.3173256
  6. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9978116
  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567422319300997
  8. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3703790.3703841
  9. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3167996.3168002
  10. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9282959
  11. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3476036
  12. https://www.zhorya.com/blog/smart-toys-technologies-design-principles
  13. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/12/8/1951
  14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10963494/
  15. https://news.temple.edu/news/2023-11-29/not-child-s-play-potential-risks-smart-toys-explained
  16. https://pirg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Smart-Decisions-about-Smart-Toys-2022.pdf
  17. https://www.ala.org/future/trends/connectedtoys
  18. https://elearningindustry.com/the-internet-of-things-revolutionizing-how-we-play-and-learn
  19. https://www.eventiotic.com/eventiotic/files/Papers/URL/08392c97-4621-4487-a818-c9b1cdd687fc.pdf
  20. https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2020/10/smart-toys-what-parents-need-to-know
  21. https://www.skyrockettherapy.org/post/electronic-toys-versus-traditional-toys
  22. https://letoyvan.com/blogs/news/tech-toys-vs-traditional-toys
  23. https://www.wired.com/2012/05/ten-classic-electronic-toys/
  24. https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1669063/speak--spell-educational-toy-texas-instruments/
  25. https://www.thehenryford.org/collections-and-research/digital-collections/artifact/298500/
  26. https://www.fabtintoys.com/teddy-ruxpin/
  27. https://tedium.co/2024/03/16/portable-electronic-toys-history/
  28. https://cheertone.com/blog-detail/the-history-of-kids-computers-toys
  29. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/i-am-about-to-cry-my-eyes-out-2000s-toys-to-life-phenom-webkinz-which-i-may-or-may-not-still-have-a-shelf-full-of-plushes-from-is-somehow-back-5-years-after-the-death-of-flash/
  30. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/webkinz-case-study-ims392-miami-university-kendall-heinlein
  31. https://davidkushner.substack.com/p/masters-of-disruption-how-the-gamer-9e8
  32. https://www.virtualpetlist.com/threads/evaluation-of-the-profitability-legacy-and-player-sentiment-of-marapets-and-webkinz-over-the-years.3790/
  33. https://en.barbiepedia.com/barbie/barbie-video-girl-doll-R4093.html
  34. https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/fbi-issues-alert-on-barbie-doll-with-video-camera/1851230/
  35. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2009-11-11-webkinz-fad-fades-web-linked-stuffed-toys-arent-hot-stuff-anym.html
  36. https://ambiq.com/blog/4-emerging-trends-in-smart-toys-for-kids-and-young-adults/
  37. https://www.twinscience.com/en/blog/the-best-artificial-intelligence-toys-for-kids-to-keep-them-entertained-and-learning/
  38. https://courses.csail.mit.edu/6.857/2021/projects/Caragay-Nzilani-Vu.pdf
  39. https://www.contrivedatuminsights.com/product-report/smart-ai-toys-market-230581
  40. https://www.eweek.com/news/mattel-openai-ai-toys-games/
  41. https://www.facebook.com/groups/guangzhoucantonfair/posts/1851623179568977/
  42. https://www.semicone.com/article-213.html
  43. https://sphero.com/
  44. https://www.makeblock.com/collections/coding-robots
  45. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354682336_Smart_Toys_in_Early_Childhood_and_Primary_Education_A_Systematic_Review_of_Technological_and_Educational_Affordances
  46. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1182660/full
  47. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567422319300869
  48. https://www.whalesbot.ai/
  49. https://botzeestoys.com/
  50. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11018941/
  51. https://us.keyirobot.com/blogs/buying-guide/top-smart-interactive-toys-programmable-robots-for-every-age
  52. https://fairplayforkids.org/pf/safe-secure-smart-toys/
  53. https://www.amazon.com/interactive-toys-kids/s?k=interactive%2Btoys%2Bfor%2Bkids
  54. https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected/smart-toy-manufacturers-enhance-educational-gameplay
  55. https://www.emergenresearch.com/blog/top-10-companies-in-connected-toys-market-in-2022
  56. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0193397308001329
  57. https://moxierobot.com/
  58. https://miko.ai/
  59. https://us.keyirobot.com/blogs/buying-guide/ai-robot-toy-best-picks-for-smart-kids-in-2025
  60. https://telcomagazine.com/articles/top-10-most-popular-personal-robots
  61. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-15341-w
  62. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10181560/
  63. https://www.create-learn.us/blog/artificial-intelligence-toys/
  64. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1875952124000053
  65. https://iase-ijeas.com/article_216888_fc8b224404906132d6f1ea520839db89.pdf
  66. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9988604/
  67. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355140889_Using_Artificial_Intelligence_AI-interfaced_robotic_toys_in_early_childhood_settings_a_case_for_children%27s_inquiry_literacy
  68. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20539517251389860
  69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/361614037_Still_looking_for_new_ways_to_play_and_learn_Expert_perspectives_and_expectations_for_interactive_toys
  70. https://arno.uvt.nl/show.cgi?fid=141012
  71. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0163638317301613
  72. https://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/c9edea45-05a2-42ab-a9e4-22e5db7bc0ed/8B6F6A6FDCD06F07DE4352BE4505824D.12.14.16-ranking-member-nelson-report-on-connected-toys.pdf
  73. https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2018/01/electronic-toy-maker-vtech-settles-ftc-allegations-it-violated-childrens-privacy-law-ftc-act
  74. https://www.cnet.com/news/privacy/hello-headaches-barbie-of-the-internet-age-has-even-more-security-flaws/
  75. https://www.cnn.com/2015/12/04/opinions/linn-hello-barbie-privacy
  76. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-39115001
  77. https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-44382135
  78. https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulfroberts/2022/12/28/smart-toys-are-still-hackable-we-just-dont-talk-about-it/
  79. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.929589/full
  80. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11592547/
  81. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0163638321000643
  82. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8430366/
  83. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5823000/
  84. https://www.dataprivacyandsecurityinsider.com/2017/03/data-breach-involving-cloudpets-smart-toys-raises-internet-of-things-security-concerns/
  85. https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/smart-toys-market
  86. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/smart-toys-market
  87. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/smart-toys-market/companies
  88. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/smart-toys-market-10813
  89. https://www.imarcgroup.com/smart-toys-market
  90. https://tracxn.com/d/trending-business-models/startups-in-smart-toys/__4am1SySgtmHNAIpfwYLKHcOAWTE2UQRvvt-F_muzAws/companies
  91. https://www.news.market.us/smart-toy-market-news/
  92. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/smart-toys-market
  93. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/DRAFT%2520Age%2520Determination%2520Guidelines%2520for%2520Toys.pdf?xc38j_e7mgBIBA.wPVonS_Q0_MN3fYHz
  94. https://www.dickinson-wright.com/news-alerts/legal-and-privacy-issues-with-connected-toys
  95. https://www.go.com.mt/blogs/smart-toys-and-online-safety-what-parents-should-know/
  96. https://news.vt.edu/articles/2023/12/Smart_toy_tips_2023.html
  97. https://www.kbvresearch.com/blog/how-choose-great-smart-toy-for-child/
  98. https://www.hearnshobbies.com/blogs/educational/how-to-choose-the-perfect-educational-toy-for-any-age
  99. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safetoys-young.html
  100. https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/smart-toys-tips-to-make-sure-smart-speakers-smart-watches-roblox-drones-arent-invading-privacy/
  101. https://www.toyassociation.org/ta/PressRoom2/News/2023_News/the-toy-associations-top-tips-to-keep-kids-safe-in-digital-spaces.aspx
  102. https://playsafe.org/App_Themes/playsafe/downloads/smart-toys-tips.pdf
  103. https://www.goodplayguide.com/blog/connected-toys/
  104. https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/smart-toys/
  105. https://techxplore.com/news/2024-08-smart-toys-spying-kids-parents.html
  106. https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/complying-coppa-frequently-asked-questions
  107. https://www.privacycompliancehub.com/gdpr-resources/the-relationship-between-coppa-and-gdpr-getting-it-right-for-your-business/
  108. https://www.toyassociation.org/ta/PressRoom2/IndustryStatements/ToySafety/statement-on-internet-connected-toys.aspx
  109. https://www.welivesecurity.com/2022/09/08/toys-behaving-badly-how-parents-protect-family-iot-threats/
  110. https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2017/PSA170717
  111. https://www.securemac.com/news/7-steps-to-set-up-iot-toys-for-security
  112. https://themarkup.org/privacy/2024/03/28/we-tested-kids-smart-toys-for-privacy-heres-how-you-can-too
  113. https://iapp.org/news/a/how-industry-can-protect-privacy-in-the-age-of-connected-toys
  114. https://plastictoyfactory.com/the-future-of-educational-play-ai-toys-that-combine-fun-and-learning/
  115. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/6061362/ai-smart-toy-market-report-trends-forecast
  116. https://www.intelmarketresearch.com/robots-for-kids-2025-2032-903-5881
  117. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/smart-toys-global-market-report
  118. https://www.datainsightsmarket.com/reports/smart-toys-1361206
  119. https://www.archivemarketresearch.com/reports/ai-smart-toys-255192
  120. https://www.grepow.com/blog/ai-toys-leap-into-innovation-why-battery-choice-matters.html
  121. https://dl.acm.org/doi/10.1145/3744367.3744393
  122. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/smart-toys-market-report
  123. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439884.2022.2095570
  124. https://www.unibas.ch/en/News-Events/News/Uni-Research/How-smart-toys-spy-on-kids--what-parents-need-to-know.html
  125. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6699114/
  126. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8494166/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.