AI Toy Glossary

Terms you will see in toy descriptions

Use these definitions to ask more precise questions about a particular model. Search within this page with your browser’s Find command.

AI (artificial intelligence)

Techniques used for tasks such as recognition, prediction or generation. Identify the task the toy performs; an AI label alone says little about the play experience.

Machine learning

Methods that build models from data. A toy may run an already-trained model without changing that model during play.

Large language model (LLM)

A model trained on large amounts of language data that can generate text. Its responses can sound fluent while containing errors.

Generative AI

AI that produces content such as text, images or audio. For a toy, check how generated material is presented and controlled.

Natural language processing (NLP)

Methods for working with human language. Speech recognition, text interpretation and generated replies can be separate parts of a toy system.

Computer vision

Methods for interpreting images or video. A camera alone does not establish which objects, gestures or people a product can recognize.

Edge AI

AI computation performed near the source of the data, for example on the toy or a nearby device. Other features may still communicate with servers.

Cloud AI

AI computation performed on remote systems. Check the connection, account and service requirements for the relevant feature.

Companion robot

A robot designed around ongoing interaction with a character. The term describes a role, not a verified emotional or health benefit.

Interactive plush

A soft-covered toy that responds to inputs. Its responses may be recorded or programmed; AI is a separate feature to verify.

STEM toy

A toy marketed around science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Look at the actual activity rather than treating the label as evidence of a learning outcome.

Coding robot

A robot whose actions a player can program. Input can use buttons, physical pieces, cards or software, depending on the model.

Gesture recognition

Detection or classification of a movement as an input. Check the supported gestures and conditions.

Voice recognition

An imprecise product term that can refer to recognizing speech or identifying a speaker. Find out which capability is meant.

Speech-to-text (STT)

Converting spoken audio to written text. Check supported languages and the conditions in which it is intended to work.

Text-to-speech (TTS)

Turning text into spoken audio. A natural-sounding voice does not establish the accuracy of the words it speaks.

Firmware

Software embedded in a device that controls its operation. Use the official update instructions for the exact model.

Over-the-air (OTA) update

A software update delivered wirelessly. It may be automatic or require a deliberate approval or installation step.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networking commonly used to connect a device to a local network. A supported Wi-Fi version or band is a compatibility requirement, separate from the toy’s AI features.

Wi-Fi 6

A generation of Wi-Fi networking. Check the toy’s actual network requirements; the name does not establish that its play or AI functions are better.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)

A form of short-range wireless communication. A toy may use it to communicate with a nearby phone without itself connecting directly to a Wi-Fi router.

COPPA

The United States Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act. For its application to a particular service, consult current FTC guidance and the service’s data practices.

Parental controls

Settings an adult can use to manage specific functions. Inspect which features they cover and how they are protected from changes.

Privacy policy

A provider’s explanation of its information practices. Read the policy for the toy and any companion app or service involved.

Data encryption

Encoding information so that it can be read with the appropriate key. Encryption is one protection; it does not answer who may access or retain the information.

On-device processing

Computation carried out on the local device. Ask separately whether the product sends recordings, results or other information elsewhere.

Cloud logging

Recording information on remote systems. Check what is logged, who can access it and how retention and deletion are handled.

Battery life

How long a device operates under specified conditions. Compare stated conditions with the intended activity, especially when motors, screens or networking are involved.

USB-C

A connector shape used for power and data. Follow the product’s charging requirements; matching connectors alone do not establish every cable or charger capability.

MSRP

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. It is different from the actual selling price and does not include every possible accessory or service cost.

SDK (software development kit)

Tools or components used to develop software. A companion app can include third-party components with their own functions and data handling.

API (application programming interface)

A defined way for software components to communicate. Its existence does not mean a consumer toy supports user programming or another product.

Augmented reality (AR)

Digital content presented together with a view of the physical world, often through a camera-equipped screen. Check which device supplies that view.

Mixed reality (MR)

A term used for experiences combining physical and digital elements. Product implementations vary; inspect the actual interaction.

Accelerometer

A sensor that measures acceleration. A device can use its readings to help detect motion or orientation.

Servo motor

A motor system used to control position or motion with feedback. In a toy it may move a joint or mechanism.

LiDAR

A sensing method that uses light to measure distance. It is one possible sensing technology; do not assume a robot uses it without documentation.

Age gate

A step asking for or checking age information. Its presence alone does not establish adequate parental consent, content suitability or legal compliance.

LED matrix

An array of light-emitting elements that can display patterns or simple images, such as a robot’s eyes.

Factory reset

A process intended to restore specified device settings. Check separately what happens to cloud accounts, recordings and paired devices.