Recently, toy giant Mattel announced a partnership with artificial intelligence company OpenAI, planning to apply AI technology to the design and functionality of toys. This collaboration has drawn significant attention as it not only involves the creation of toys but may also change the way children interact with them.
Image source note: The image is generated by AI, and the image authorization service provider is Midjourney.
According to Bloomberg's report, Mattel Chief Brand Officer Josh Silverman and OpenAI Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap mentioned in an interview that their cooperation is still in its early stages, and it remains unclear what the first product will be.
In the interview, Silverman mentioned that AI can be used to create digital assistants based on Mattel characters, and even make classic toys like the Magic8Ball and games like Uno more interactive. Mattel plans to announce more specific products by the end of this year, and Silverman stated: "Using this incredible technology, we will reimagine the future of play."
However, this collaboration has also raised concerns. Research shows that AI chatbots may have negative impacts on users' mental health, especially for teenagers. In an AI risk assessment conducted by the Brain Innovation Lab at Stanford University School of Medicine, researchers warned that interacting with highly humanized AI companions is not safe for teenagers under 18. It is well known that children are prone to developing emotional dependence on anthropomorphic toys, which may lead to a series of mental health problems.
Moreover, AI models often "hallucinate" or fabricate facts. Although Mattel claims that its toys will operate within a secure framework, it cannot completely ensure that they will not violate established safety instructions. Although specific details of the cooperation have yet to be disclosed, the industry generally believes that Mattel is likely to use OpenAI's technology to develop more interactive toys.
Silverman emphasized that Mattel has not licensed its intellectual property to OpenAI but will continue to control the development of future products. Both companies expect this cooperation to bring new opportunities for their respective developments. In recent years, Mattel has been expanding into the entertainment field, particularly after the huge success of its 2023 movie *Barbie*. Meanwhile, OpenAI is also making efforts to establish partnerships with Hollywood studios.
Key points:
🧸 Mattel and OpenAI have partnered to apply AI technology to toy design and interaction.
🧠 Research shows that AI chatbots may negatively impact the mental health of children, especially teenagers under 18.
🎉 Mattel has not licensed its intellectual property to OpenAI and will continue to control the development of future products.