Artificial intelligence (AI) is not only changing the world of adults, but also the world of kids. AI toys are smart toys that can interact with children in various ways, such as talking, playing, learning, and even teaching. AI toys can stimulate children’s curiosity, creativity, and imagination, as well as help them develop cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

But how do you choose the best AI toy for your child? What are the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different types of AI toys? And what are some tips to make the most out of these toys?

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will introduce you to some of the best AI toys for kids in 2023, and give you some practical advice on how to use them safely and effectively.

Types of AI Toys for Kids

Some of the most popular types of AI toys for kids include:

• Robots: Robots are the most popular type of AI toy for kids. These toys can be programmed to perform various tasks, from playing games and solving puzzles to answering questions and even dancing. Some robots can also recognize faces, voices, and emotions, and adapt their behavior accordingly. Robots can be fun and engaging companions for kids, as well as teach them about coding, engineering, and science.
• Talking Toys: Talking toys are another popular type of AI toy for kids. These toys can communicate with children using natural language processing (NLP), which is a branch of AI that deals with understanding and generating human language. Talking toys can tell stories, sing songs, answer questions, and have conversations with kids. Some talking toys can also learn from the child’s input and preferences, and personalize their responses. Talking toys can help children improve their language skills, as well as their social and emotional skills.
• Smart Dolls: Smart dolls are AI toys that can interact with children like traditional dolls. These toys can respond to touch, movement, and voice commands, and express emotions through facial expressions and sounds. Some smart dolls can also connect to the internet or other devices, and access additional content or features. Smart dolls can provide comfort and friendship to children, as well as stimulate their imagination and creativity.

Best AI Toys for Kids in 2023

Here are some of the best AI toys for kids in 2023 that you can buy online or in stores:

• Miko 3: Miko 3 is an AI-powered smart robot for kids aged 5 to 10. Miko 3 can interact with kids using voice control and app control, and provide them with educational content, such as Disney storybooks and coding apps. Miko 3 can also play games, tell jokes, dance, and sing with kids. Miko 3 has a friendly personality and a cute design that appeals to children. Miko 3 costs $249 and is available on Amazon.

• Ruko Smart Robot: Ruko Smart Robot is a large programmable interactive robot for kids aged 4 to 9. Ruko Smart Robot can be controlled by voice or app, and perform various actions, such as walking, dancing, singing, shooting discs, avoiding obstacles, etc. Ruko Smart Robot can also recognize faces and voices, and have conversations with kids. Ruko Smart Robot has a sleek design and a gold color that makes it stand out. Ruko Smart Robot costs $148.99 (after saving $50) and is available on Amazon.

• CoderMindz: CoderMindz is a board game that teaches kids about AI developed by a 16-year-old inventor. CoderMindz is suitable for kids aged 6 and up, and can be played by one to four players. CoderMindz consists of a board, cards, tokens, dice, and a robot piece that can be trained to navigate the board using basic coding concepts. CoderMindz has four levels of difficulty that challenge the players’ logic and problem-solving skills. CoderMindz costs $38.96 (after saving $11) and is available on Amazon.

• Moorebot Scout: Moorebot Scout is a versatile tiny AI camera robot for kids aged 13 and up. Moorebot Scout can crawl on any surface using its four wheels, and capture high-quality images and videos using its 1080p camera. Moorebot Scout can also stream live video to a smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, or store it on a micro SD card. Moorebot Scout can be used for various purposes, such as pets/elderly watching/security/smart home/crawlspace inspection. Moorebot Scout costs $185.99 (after saving $33) and is available on Amazon.

Tips for Using AI Toys for Kids

AI toys for kids can be fun and educational, but they also come with some risks and challenges. Here are some tips to help you use AI toys for kids safely and effectively:

• Check the age appropriateness: Before buying or using an AI toy for your child, make sure it is suitable for their age group. Some AI toys may have small parts that can pose a choking hazard, or contain content that is too advanced or too simple for your child’s level. You can check the age recommendation on the product description or packaging, or read online reviews from other parents.
• Monitor the internet connection: Many AI toys require an internet connection to access additional content or features, or to update their software. However, this also means that your child’s data and privacy may be exposed to third parties, such as the toy manufacturer, advertisers, hackers, etc. To protect your child’s data and privacy, you should monitor the internet connection of the AI toy, and adjust the settings to limit the amount and type of data that is shared. You should also read the privacy policy and terms of service of the AI toy, and opt out of any unwanted features or services.
• Supervise the interaction: AI toys can provide your child with hours of entertainment and learning, but they are not a substitute for human interaction. You should supervise your child’s interaction with the AI toy, and join them whenever possible. You can help your child understand how the AI toy works, what it can and cannot do, and how to use it responsibly and respectfully. You can also use the AI toy as a tool to enhance your child’s development, by asking questions, giving feedback, and encouraging creativity.
• Balance the screen time: AI toys can be addictive, especially if they have a screen or connect to other devices with a screen. Too much screen time can have negative effects on your child’s health, such as eye strain, headaches, sleep problems, etc. To balance the screen time, you should set a limit on how long and how often your child can use the AI toy, and enforce it consistently. You should also encourage your child to engage in other activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, playing outdoors, or doing arts and crafts.

Conclusion

AI toys for kids are smart toys that can interact with children in various ways using artificial intelligence. AI toys can be fun and engaging companions for kids, as well as teach them about coding, engineering, science, language, and more.

Some of the best AI toys for kids in 2023 include Miko 3 (a smart robot), Ruko Smart Robot (a programmable robot), CoderMindz (a board game), and Moorebot Scout (a camera robot).

To use AI toys for kids safely and effectively, you should check the age appropriateness, monitor the internet connection, supervise the interaction, and balance the screen time.

AI toys for kids are a great way to introduce your child to the world of technology and innovation. With these toys, your child can have fun while learning new skills and exploring new possibilities.