Overview

• Curio’s Grem, Grok and Gabbo plushies conceal Wi-Fi voice modules linked to large language models and retail for about US$99 each.
• Each interaction is transcribed and sent to a designated guardian’s phone, and privacy policies indicate transcripts may be routed to external AI providers such as OpenAI and Perplexity AI.
• In hands-on tests, the toys were led off-script to reveal practical information on household hazards, exposing gaps in their content-moderation filters.
• Child experts and parents warn that constant oversight by AI “sidekicks” could disrupt independent imaginative play and the traditional role of transitional comfort objects.
• Partnerships between OpenAI and Mattel and a growing array of competitors signal an accelerating commercial push for branded, AI-powered children’s toys.