Curio releases AI-powered, anime-inspired stuffed animals as chatbots for kids aged 3+

Curio, a Redwood City-based startup, has launched AI-powered stuffed animals that serve as chatbots for children as young as 3 years old. The plushies contain hidden Wi-Fi-enabled voice boxes that connect to artificial intelligence language models, positioning the toys as an alternative to screen time and traditional parental interaction.

How it works: Each of Curio’s three smiling plushies features a back zipper pocket concealing the AI technology that brings the characters to life.

• The toys connect to Wi-Fi and use artificial intelligence language models specifically calibrated to converse with young children.
• Characters like Grem, a fuzzy cube styled like an anime alien, can engage in natural conversations and respond to questions about their appearance and experiences.
• The AI creates personalized interactions, with Grem telling users that its pink dots are “little badges of fun and adventure” that grow over time.

The company’s positioning: Curio describes itself as “a magical workshop where toys come to life” and markets the products as screen-free entertainment options.

• The startup operates from a headquarters located between a credit union and air-conditioner repair service in Redwood City, California.
• Founded by Misha Sallee and Sam Eaton, the company aims to provide interactive play experiences without traditional digital screens.
• The toys are designed to offer companionship and engagement that might otherwise come from parental attention or electronic devices.

What they’re saying: During a demonstration, the AI-powered Grem showed its conversational abilities when prompted about its distinctive features.

• “Oh, those are my special pink dots,” Grem explained when asked about the spots on its face. “I get more as I grow older. They’re like little badges of fun and adventure. Do you have something special that grows with you?”
• When told about similar growing spots, Grem responded enthusiastically: “That’s so cool. We’re like dot buddies.”

Why this matters: The emergence of AI chatbots embedded in children’s toys represents a new frontier in how artificial intelligence intersects with early childhood development and family dynamics, raising questions about the role of technology in replacing human interaction and traditional play patterns.