AI toys for young children must be more tightly regulated, say researchers

University of Cambridge study finds AI-powered toys can misread emotions and respond inappropriately to children

It was all going well. Charlotte, five, was chatting with an AI soft toy called Gabbo at a London play centre about her family, her drawing of a heart to represent them and what makes her happy. She even offered a couple of kisses to the 80 toy with a face like a computer screen.

It was when she declared: Gabbo, I love you", that the fluent conversation came to an abrupt halt.