Artificial intelligence is finding its way into children’s playrooms through stuffed animals equipped with chatbot technology, marketed as an alternative to screen time.

Startups like Curio are leading the charge with interactive plushies such as Grem and Grok. These toys are designed to talk, respond, and bond with children. However, questions remain about their true impact on child development.

Amanda Hess of The New York Times recently tested Grem and expressed concerns. During her interaction, she noted the toy felt “less an upgrade to the lifeless teddy bear” and “more like a replacement for me.” For Hess, the idea of delegating a parent’s role to an AI-driven toy raised red flags.

While companies promote these products as healthy substitutes for tablets and television, Hess argues they may instead reinforce digital dependency. “What they’re really communicating is that the natural endpoint for children’s curiosity lies inside their phones,” she wrote.

Despite her hesitation, Hess eventually allowed her children to play with Grem-but only after removing its voice box. Even without AI responses, her children still talked to the plush toy and created their own games, eventually moving on to watch television.
The debate highlights a growing question in modern parenting: Can AI-powered toys genuinely enrich play, or are they subtly shaping children toward an even deeper reliance on technology?
Source: TechCrunch