The Fast-Growing Kids’ Tech Segment is Transforming Playtime Engagement Whether they’re dolls, puzzles, or outside games, bestselling toys have always shared a simple hallmark: the undeniable ability to engage kids. But with the rise of kids’ tech, playtime interactivity is reaching new heights – thanks to the power of artificial intelligence. “Over the last two years, social and emotional intelligence have become even more important for parents,” said Sneh Vaswani, cofounder and CEO of the kids’ robotics company Miko. “Through AI, robots can foster emotional connections with kids, and that’s transforming how families think about playtime.” The kids’ tech market encompasses a wide range of AI-powered products including coding games, interactive apps and robots like the Miko 3 that Vaswani’s company launched in October. Miko 3 uses
AI to form unique bonds with children that deepen with every playful learning interaction. Although a little robot companion might sound out of reach for some families, the kids’ tech space is gaining momentum in the U.S. and global markets alike. The sector is expected to reach $18 billion by 2023, fueled in part by AI’s growing affordability and accessibility. Toy insider Richard Gottlieb, CEO of Global Toy Experts, predicts that AI will become “progressively important to play” in the future. As he recently told CNBC, “I don’t think any of us have any doubt that the world these children are going to live in is going to be a world that’s enhanced by artificial intelligence.” As a seasoned roboticist, Vaswani is excited to actively shape a future where play
is more immersive and emotional than was once thought possible. “A mere decade ago, most families wouldn’t have been able to imagine a robot friend engaging their kids in fun learningbased conversations,” he said, “but we’re proving that AI can help kids develop emotionally, socially and intellectually – and do so safely.”
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