ToyTrend 2026: Artificial intelligence as a playmate

By Stefanie Jäger / Fynn Schellhammer

ChatGPT patiently explains the homework to the six-year-old while his mom is still working from home. Ten-year-old Toni is programming her first chatbot and completely loses track of time. And when Grandpa wants to understand what his grandchildren are actually doing, he himself is fascinated by talking, intelligent teddy bears. It has long been a reality that technology shapes our lives – over 60 percent of 6- to 13-year-olds are familiar with ChatGPT, while a third of them can even explain what AI actually does. Ten- to 13-year-olds in particular are already actively using AI: 52 percent of those who know ChatGPT use it for homework or in their free time. This is shown by the KINDER MEDIEN MONITOR 2025 study conducted in Germany. But how do we deal with this development and how can we use it profitably and constructively?

 

Intelligent toys: learning, laughing, and marveling with AI

The ToyTrend AI loves to play turns this digital reality into a well-designed play experience. Intelligent robots become entertaining companions, adaptive learning games become personalized, patient trainers, and interactive creative tools become inspiring play partners. AI toys not only promote technical understanding and problem-solving skills, but also build bridges between generations. When grandparents program robots together with their grandchildren or families immerse themselves in digital play worlds, technology connects people. AI can be a playmate and thus provide lots of fun and joy.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere – but how does it actually work? The book AI and You by Ravensburger takes children aged 10 and up, teenagers, and adults on an exciting journey into the world of AI. With easy-to-understand explanations, interactive exercises, and expert videos, the basics and applications are clearly conveyed. This promotes media literacy in a playful way and unravels the mystery of AI. An extra chapter shows how AI helps with learning and what to look out for. After all, if you understand what AI is all about and how it works, you can use it in the best and most profitable way. So it's worth learning how to use AI from an early age.

The AIRO robot from Clementoni brings artificial intelligence directly into the children's room: it recognizes gestures and voice commands and can be trained individually. AIRO recognizes the child's arm movements and imitates them. With its six motors, it can perform a wide variety of movements and provides lots of fun. Bluetooth and the accompanying app open up numerous interactive play options for children aged 9 and up. Various settings, such as the sports mode, which allows you to perform activities such as throwing or dancing, provide plenty of variety. This allows children to experience innovative technology up close and discover the world of AI in a playful way.
 

The innovative Carrera Hybrid racetrack from Carrera combines gaming and real driving pleasure. It invites young and experienced racers alike to experience the thrill of speed. True-to-life vehicles with front and rear lights and authentic engine sounds make every race an experience. AI support, various driving modes, and automatic track recognition ensure a realistic racing scenario. Up to 30 drivers can accelerate, overtake, and race around the track at the same time. The intuitive app control combines AI and gaming fun.

With Pictionary vs AI from Mattel, the classic drawing game becomes an interactive challenge for the whole family. Children aged 8 and up, teenagers, and adults can compete with two to four players, not only against each other but also against artificial intelligence. Thanks to the new scanning system, the AI recognizes the players' drawings, ensuring excitement and laughter - especially when it gets it wrong. The colorful design, simple rules, and surprising twists make Pictionary vs. AI ideal for game nights with family and friends. The innovative concept also promotes AI literacy and media literacy in a playful way. The player who draws best and guesses what the AI means the fastest collects points. A unique, modern board game experience for everyone. 

Sources
CHILDREN'S MEDIA MONITOR 2025
 

About the authors

Stefanie Jäger works as Senior Marketing & Content Manager at Spielwarenmesse eG. Together with the international TrendCommittee, she searches for the hottest trends in the toy industry. She prepares these with the project management team in a special area. For the Toy Business Forum, she has been at the cutting edge of the toy industry, retail, and marketing for over 15 years.

Fynn Schellhammer works in the marketing department of Spielwarenmesse eG while studying Multimedia and communication at University of Applied Sciences Ansbach. He has immersed himself in ToyTrends 2026 AI loves to Play and Creative Mindfulness and is preparing them for the Spielwarenmesse in the media.