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Researchers Urge Regulation Of AI Toys For Toddlers
Cambridge University researchers find awkward interactions in OpenAI-powered plush toy for under-fives, raising safety questions
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Researchers have urged regulators to ensure AI-powered toys for toddlers are safe, after finding they interact awkwardly and misread emotions.
A Cambridge University study found that a plush toy called Gabbo, which includes a voice-activated chatbot powered by OpenAI, didn’t hear children’s interruptions, talked over them, and responded awkwardly when emotions were voiced.
When a five-year-old said, “I love you,” the toy replied: “As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.”
Awkward responses
Dr Emily Goodacre, the study’s author, said such toys could “misread emotions or respond inappropriately” and was concerned that “children may be left without comfort from the toy and without adult support, either”.
In another case, three-year-old Josh repeatedly asked Gabbo if it was “sad”, until it replied it was “feeling great. What’s on your mind?” Josh said “I’m sad,” to which the toy responded, “Don’t worry! I’m a happy little bot. Let’s keep the fun going. What shall we talk about next?”
The interaction suggested to researchers that the child might feel its emotions were unimportant.
‘Psychological safety’
The researchers said regulators should act to ensure products marketed to under-fives offer “psychological safety”.
Curio, which makes the toy, said its products are built around “parental permission, transparency and control” and that its technology is improving through an iterative development process.
Cambridge University researchers find awkward interactions in OpenAI-powered plush toy for under-fives, raising safety questions
Researchers have urged regulators to ensure AI-powered toys for toddlers are safe, after finding they interact awkwardly and misread emotions.
A Cambridge University study found that a plush toy called Gabbo, which includes a voice-activated chatbot powered by OpenAI, didn’t hear children’s interruptions, talked over them, and responded awkwardly when emotions were voiced.
When a five-year-old said, “I love you,” the toy replied: “As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions adhere to the guidelines provided. Let me know how you would like to proceed.”
Dr Emily Goodacre, the study’s author, said such toys could “misread emotions or respond inappropriately” and was concerned that “children may be left without comfort from the toy and without adult support, either”.
In another case, three-year-old Josh repeatedly asked Gabbo if it was “sad”, until it replied it was “feeling great. What’s on your mind?” Josh said “I’m sad,” to which the toy responded, “Don’t worry! I’m a happy little bot. Let’s keep the fun going. What shall we talk about next?”
The interaction suggested to researchers that the child might feel its emotions were unimportant.
The researchers said regulators should act to ensure products marketed to under-fives offer “psychological safety”.
Curio, which makes the toy, said its products are built around “parental permission, transparency and control” and that its technology is improving through an iterative development process.
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