Dolls and Artificial Intelligence: Can they keep a child’s secret?

• Paulo Brancher

Once upon a time children talked to their toys and answers were only heard in their imagination. Later on toys were able to reproduce recorded messages and answers were not only limited but also depended upon the push of a button by the child. Suddenly, developments in technology, with its magic of bits and bytes, granted power to toys, the so called “artificial intelligence”. And playing with dolls was never the same again ... Indeed, we witness technology revolution in many fronts and that involving toys is only one of many examples of technology inclusion in all moments of our lives. If in the past children communication with their toys was a reflection of life lived and interaction with their parents, brothers and friends, currently we begun to experience a completely different reality. The window to the outside world opens earlier and earlier, and toys are taking a leading role.