In late 2023, Canadian singer Grimes – the ex-partner of Elon Musk, with whom she has three children – released an interactive artificial intelligence toy called Grok.
The plush toy uses AI chatbot technology to process information to communicate and is marketed as an alternative to screen time by encouraging little ones to interact with a toy that remembers their names and facts about them, as well as join in conversations.
“Personalised AI toys offer some interesting benefits for children’s play experiences,” says Sarah Maamari, child and adolescent psychologist at Sage Clinics. “By remembering details about the child and responding in unique ways, these toys can keep children engaged for longer periods, providing a more interactive experience that adapts to their individual interests and developmental needs.”
However, Grok isn’t the only chatbot on the market. The Moxie AI Companion lists interactive play-based learning, emotional support and social skills development among its benefits, while the Miko Robot says it “sparks curiosity and Steam learning, enhancing cognitive and analytical skills through interactive play".
“AI toys that talk back and remember details about a child can foster a sense of companionship and validation,” says Raneem Nageeb, a psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre. "They also encourage imaginative play and verbal communication.
“However, fully relying on such toys for social interaction can hinder the child’s social skills as authentic human interaction is irreplaceable. Human interaction is open-ended rather than scripted and if a child becomes too attached, the toy may prevent them from forming healthy relationships with peers, as the one with the AI is instead prioritised.”
How AI is shaping the toy industry
Toys that communicate with the user have been around for a while. The electronic memory game Simon, in which players have to remember and repeat the sequence in which four coloured pads light up, was one of the top-selling toys for Christmas 1978.
“AI is being increasingly integrated into children’s entertainment to create engaging, personalised and interactive experiences,” says NYU Abu Dhabi professor Hanan Salam, who is also the co-founder of Women in AI and director of the Social Machines and RoboTics Lab at the university.
“For example, we can now find applications that offer interactive and adaptive storytelling. In such apps, AI tailors stories based on children’s choices, interests or age creating a personalised narrative experience.”
Simon was preceded by games such as Geniac released in 1955, which could play noughts and crosses, and 1963’s Digi-Comp I, both of which utilised microcomputer technology to create basic interaction.
“Another way by which AI is currently being used to shape children’s entertainment is by making education more entertaining by incorporating things like gamified learning,” says Salam. “For example, platforms like Khan Academy Kids use AI to adapt educational content to individual learning paces, offering customised quizzes, games and activities. There are also tools like Duolingo Kids, an AI-driven language tool which uses AI to adjust difficulty levels and suggest content based on kid’s progress.”
Privacy issues and parental concerns
Any new technology that centres on or appeals to children is certain to be met with concern by parents who are already bombarded by the dangers of too much screen time and unsupervised internet access.
“Personalisation raises concerns about privacy such as data collection and how children's information is stored, used or shared, as well as over-dependence on technology and screen time, which are critical considerations for parents and developers,” says Salam. “For instance, children might become overly reliant on personalised AI systems, reducing their ability to engage with non-digital forms of play or learning and reduced interaction with real-world peers or mentors.”
She adds: “Another aspect to look out for is the limited exposure to new ideas where over-personalisation could be counterproductive and limit the kid’s exposure to unfamiliar topics or ideas.”
A 2023 report by the US Public Interest Research Groupy, titled Trouble in Toyland, shared a list of functions parents should be aware of when it comes to AI toys. Cameras, microphones, sensors, location sharing and chat functions were all named as aspects that parents should take into consideration. The report also stated that AI-enabled toys could potentially gather and share information and may collect and store data about children that could be transmitted to external company servers.
“While children are natural adaptors to new technology due to their neural plasticity, parental guidance is crucial in shaping how they interact with technology,” says Nageeb.
“Children can quickly learn how to navigate AI-driven tools and devices. Parents can help their children adapt to the prevalence of AI by setting healthy boundaries to foster a balanced approach. This can be done by limiting screen time and incorporating sensory breaks to support healthier brain development and emotional resilience.”
Navigating and getting the most out of AI toys
With AI still very much in its headline-making phase, it would be easy for parents to think the technology is taking over their children’s toybox, which is not necessarily the case.
Natasha Crookes, director general of the UK-based Toy Retailers Association, tells The National: “AI toys are not an important segment of the toys market currently. We just launched the Dream Toys for Christmas and didn’t have any AI toys on the list.”
Experts have agreed, however, that the interactions AI toys can provide can be beneficial to children with parental supervision and guidance.
“This tailored approach could enhance learning, as the toy can adjust to the child’s pace, help build specific skills and reinforce interests or hobbies,” says Maamari. “Additionally, interactive AI toys may support social learning by mimicking conversational patterns, giving children opportunities to practice language, empathy and conversational turn-taking.”
Children who struggle with social skills may also benefit from having toy robots to practice interactions with and those for whom traditional educational methods require certain adaptations.
“In terms of education, personalisation offers great support for individual learning styles with adaptive educational platforms that can provide content tailored to a child’s pace, strengths and challenges, helping them grasp concepts more effectively,” says Salam. “Children with specific learning needs or disabilities can also benefit from personalised support and encouragement.”
Parents play an essential role in teaching their children healthy boundaries, which includes setting limits on screen time, encouraging tech breaks and balancing digital activities with hands-on play, outdoor time and social interaction.
Maamari adds: “Being knowledgeable about the technology in their children’s lives allows parents to set boundaries more confidently and to better understand the content their children are exposed to.”
Abaya trends
The utilitarian robe held dear by Arab women is undergoing a change that reveals it as an elegant and graceful garment available in a range of colours and fabrics, while retaining its traditional appeal.
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
How much of your income do you need to save?
The more you save, the sooner you can retire. Tuan Phan, a board member of SimplyFI.com, says if you save just 5 per cent of your salary, you can expect to work for another 66 years before you are able to retire without too large a drop in income.
In other words, you will not save enough to retire comfortably. If you save 15 per cent, you can forward to another 43 working years. Up that to 40 per cent of your income, and your remaining working life drops to just 22 years. (see table)
Obviously, this is only a rough guide. How much you save will depend on variables, not least your salary and how much you already have in your pension pot. But it shows what you need to do to achieve financial independence.
pakistan Test squad
Azhar Ali (capt), Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Haris Sohail, Imran Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah, Usman Shinwari
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Result
Crystal Palace 0 Manchester City 2
Man City: Jesus (39), David Silva (41)
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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'Panga'
Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari
Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta
Rating: 3.5/5
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Fixtures
Tuesday - 5.15pm: Team Lebanon v Alger Corsaires; 8.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Pharaohs
Wednesday - 5.15pm: Pharaohs v Carthage Eagles; 8.30pm: Alger Corsaires v Abu Dhabi Storms
Thursday - 4.30pm: Team Lebanon v Pharaohs; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Carthage Eagles
Friday - 4.30pm: Pharaohs v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Team Lebanon
Saturday - 4.30pm: Carthage Eagles v Alger Corsaires; 7.30pm: Abu Dhabi Storms v Team Lebanon
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Fifa Club World Cup:
When: December 6-16
Where: Games to take place at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi and Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain
Defending champions: Real Madrid
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
more from Janine di Giovanni
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
