CogniToys (Photo : www.elementalpath.com)
A New York-based startup company has recently launched a groundbreaking product known as "CogniToy." It is an interactive toy that makes use of IBM's Watson, a computer system with artificial intelligence capability.
Elemental Path, the company that started the project said that the toy will not only serve as an interactive playmate but can also "evolve, learn, and grow" with a child. CogniToy is the first set of toys that will use the cognitive technology provided by IBM Watson.
The project began when Elemental Path submitted its idea to the IBM Watson Mobile App Developer Challenge. The project caught IBM's attention and ultimately won the grand prize which is full-access to the IBM Watson supercomputer, according to PCMag.
"Thanks to the power of IBM's Cognitive Computing Engine, Watson, Elemental Path is creating the next generation of toys and changing the way kids learn and play," a message posted on Elemental Path website.
The dino-shape CogniToy can tell and create stories, tell knock-knock jokes and even give commands and ask questions. The toy is also capable of simple informative questions and can also engage the child in educational play like spelling and math. According to the creators, the toy will grow based on the child's personality.
The CogniToy's was launched on Kickstarter and has already earned more than $65,000 with an additional 600-plus backers and the project still has 28 days left.
The $89 "early bird" CogniToy's has already been sold out. However, the $99 green dino version is still available for interested buyers. The company will officially release the toys on the market sometime in November and has a price tag of $198 for two toys.
