artificial intelligence Archives

Toys also evolve along with technology. There are now toys today that did not exist decades ago. Technology also advances the features that many may consider today as toys. From robotics to artificial intelligence, modern toys aim to provide a level of play for kids that we as adults were not able to enjoy. Toys like the CogniToys from Elemental Path are just but some examples.

CogniToys is a concept for a toy developed by Elemental Path that is vastly different from toys most people, or kids, are accustomed to. This type of toy actually interacts with kids and learns along with them. CogniToys are smart toys with speech and personality. First of all, it is powered by IBM Watson, the supercomputer that gives the toy its AI features. It is also speech-enabled, allowing kids to have conversations with it. Kids can ask a question and the CogniToy responds appropriately. The toy connects to the supercomputer via Internet and on the cloud. Kids push a button on the toy to initiate a conversation. Then the CogniToy will respond and then ask questions as well.

CogniToys become more than just smart toys. They can also become a child’s companion and the two have back and forth conversations. Kids learn many things from the CogniToy as it becomes an educational tool to teach kids how to spell, count and even build their vocabulary. The CogniToy can then keep track of the child’s progress over the years and will begin to ask more sophisticated questions based on that progress. In a way, the child’s CogniToy grows and develops along with the child. Kids will eventually build a special bond with this toy that can develop as they grow. It may be a type of toy that kids will never outgrow. Elemental Path is currently conducting a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for producing the one-of-a-kind toys. The company is planning to first release the CogniToy GreenDino once everything is in place. CogniToys in other colors and characters are also part of the plan. Those who wish to give their kids one can contribute from $89 to $99 to their Kickstarter campaign. The toys are expected to ship November of this year.

Image Source: Kickstarter

Kids love playing video games. But after a while, they might get bored playing with the same stuff over and over again. They begin to look for other challenges. How about playing a video game in real life using real toys? At least that is what the Anki DRIVE AI Race Car aims to achieve.

The Anki DRIVE is more than just a typical race car. Each car comes with artificial intelligence, engineered to think for itself. In short, the Anki DRIVE racecar knows where it is, makes a decision and can drive itself. But kids can also use an iOS device to control a car to race with friends or with an AI racecar. The Anki DRIVE includes a physical track intended for indoor use. It can be placed in any flat surface. The track can accommodate racing up to four cars that friends can control to face up against each other. Cars that you or your friends do not control can be AI-enabled in the race.

The objective of the Anki DRIVE racecar game is to take out the other racecars. Each car comes with a special weapon that gives it certain advantages. The experience improves after each race as the cars evolve and gain points. The more points a car accumulates at different races, the more options it can use to upgrade weapons and other capabilities. It is an interesting take on a typical video game. But this time, the current game comes with a physical component. The Anki DRIVE racecar Starter Kit is available at the Apple Store for $200.