By Robert Booth
Publication Date: 2026-03-13 07:35:00
Everything went well. Charlotte, five, chatted to an AI soft toy called Gabbo at a London play center about her family, how she drew a heart symbol for them and what makes her happy. She even gave the 80-pound toy with a face like a computer screen a few kisses.
When she declared, “Gabbo, I love you,” the fluid conversation ended abruptly.
“As a friendly reminder, please ensure interactions follow the guidelines provided,” Gabbo said, bumping awkwardly into the guardrails. “Let me know how you would like to proceed.”
The moment came during a study by the University of Cambridge into the growing number of AI-controlled toys available on toy shelves for young children. It was concluded that children have problems with social games and role-playing games, misunderstand children and react inappropriately to emotions.
The developmental psychologists behind the study are now calling for AI toys that “talk” to young children to be stricter…