Do Insects Play with Toys?

Mimicry learnings to be had?

Are these bumble bees playing with toys?

First example of insects seemingly having fun with objects adds to evidence for emotions

27 OCT 2022  11:00 Ambyerik Stokstad

Playtime isn’t just for children. Lab-kept bumble bees roll small wooden balls around for no apparent purpose other than fun, a new study reveals. The finding supports evidence that bees experience pleasure, researchers say, highlighting the importance of protecting them in the wild and treating them well when they’re kept in hives.

“It is super cool,” says Elizabeth Tibbetts, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, who was not involved. “We usually think about insects as being so different that they lack sophisticated behaviors.” But not everyone is convinced the behavior is in fact play.

In animals, play helps the brain develop: Fox cubs pretend-fight to learn social skills, for example, and dolphins and whales jump and spin even without predators around. A study in 2006 described behavior in young wasps (Polistes dominula) that looked like play fighting, but whether other insects play hasn’t received much research attention.

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Lars Chittka, a behavioral ecologist at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and author of the recent book The Mind of a Bee, and colleagues stumbled upon the new evidence by accident. The team was studying how bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) learn complex behaviors from their comrades by training the insects to move wooden balls to specific locations. (If a bee moved a ball to the right place, it got a sugary treat.) The researchers noticed that some bees moved the balls even when no reward was offered. “They just seem to like going back to them and fiddling with them and rolling all over the place,” Chittka says.

Samadi Galpayage, then a master’s student at QMUL, was fascinated by the bees' many behaviors. “I couldn't help falling in love with them,” she says. “I stayed on to do a Ph.D. to learn more.”

Galpayage set up what was essentially a single-story apartment for the bees. At one end was the nest, which had a single entryway to a recreation center. The far end of the rec room connected to a cafeteria with an all-you-can-eat supply of pollen and sugar water. ... ' 

Lego and 3D Printing

Would like to see more.   Demonstrating a future.  

 Lego Animated 3D-Printed Duck is a Peek at the Toy's Future

in Gizmodo, Andrew Liszewski, November 7, 2022

Lego is offering visitors to the Minifigure Factory experience at the Lego House in Billund, Denmark, the chance to buy a limited-edition red plastic duck produced using the selective laser sintering (SLS) process. The duck, which sells for 89 Danish Krone (about US$12), is a replica of a wooden toy duck created by Lego founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen. The SLS three-dimensional (3D) printing process creates models layer by layer by heating and melting a powdered material, allowing functional mechanical elements to be placed within the toy during its manufacture. Lego's goal is for 3D printing to allow it to offer a wider range of building elements.   ... '

Wal-Mart has a Toy Lab

In a completely different domain, we asked the same question:  How can we get consumers to feel they are very involved with us,  are our special customer?   Special testers of product and experience?   Here the more recent concept of the 'unboxing video' is being used.   Plus some aspects of humor and scripted interaction.   Nice idea.

Can online unboxing videos turn Walmart into ‘America’s Best Toy Shop?’
 This article was written jointly by Tom Ryan and Matthew Stern. In Retailwire,

Walmart this holiday introduced an online shop, The Walmart Toy Lab, that invites kids to become a “Walmart toy tester” and play with 20 top trending toys from their computer or tablet.

“Like stepping into an interactive unboxing video, The Walmart Toy Lab lets kids take on the role of an official Walmart Toy Tester,” wrote Walmart in a statement.

Unboxing and toy feature videos have shown to be a huge draw for toy-shopping kids. Earlier this year, Walmart partnered with pre-teen YouTube star Ryan of RyansToyReviews, who in 2016 made a whopping $11 million off his unboxing videos.

The Toy Lab rollout comes a few months after Walmart’s announcement that it was branding itself as “America’s Best Toy Shop” with expanded toy aisles and assortments in its stores, an improved toy demoing experience in-store and exclusive toy-related content online.

At the Walmart Toy Lab microsite, an interactive video first introduces the game’s host, Burt, who guides kids through the toy-testing steps. Using a “Funtroller,” kids select toys to test and can choose to take a closer look, try their main features and watch other children play with them. Kids can also click the “Don’t Push” button and see Burt enter a dream sequence, hang upside down or otherwise face an “unexpected surprise.”  ... "

Value of the AR Demo

Is an AR demo better than the real thing?   with discussion   by Matthew Stern in Retailwire

Trying out a toy in-store can get kids excited about the product. And once kids are interested in a toy, they can be very effective in convincing their parents to buy it. Mattel is now taking this experience into the virtual world with augmented reality (AR) at the shelf.

This fall the brand is introducing an AR app for its Hot Wheels playsets, according to Engadget. The app will allow users to interact with a virtual on-screen version of a playset when they point their device at it on the shelf. Part of the intention behind the tool is to allow customers to get a feel for how the product will work while preventing retailers from using up floor space on toy demos.

While AR can provide an engaging new experience for customers, can it motivate a purchase as effectively as physically playing with a real-world toy?

Mattel is not the first toy company to experiment with on-shelf AR. In 2014, early-adopter Lego rolled out its “In-Store Action” app. The app lets users scan posters in-store to bring up and interact with an on-screen animated Lego figure.   .... "

Anki Cozmo Robot

More personable toy robotics.  Not a new thing,  but getting us more used to the concept.

Big brain. Bigger personality.
Say hello to Cozmo, a gifted little guy with a mind of his own. He’s a real-life robot like you’ve only seen in movies, with a one-of-a-kind personality that evolves the more you hang out. He’ll nudge you to play and keep you constantly surprised. Cozmo’s your accomplice in a crazy amount of fun. ... " 

My Friend Cayla Doll Banned

The 'My Friend Cayla' doll was previously mentioned with regard to US COPPA law.  Possible implications for other attentive listening assistants?    In Engadget: 

" ... German watchdog group the Bundesnetzagentur (Federal Network Agency for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, Post and Railway) warns that hackers can use Cayla to steal personal data through an unsecured Bluetooth connection. It's already removed the doll from store shelves, and it's encouraging parents to take precautions.  ... " 

Childrens Toys, Data and AI

Bernard Marr in Forbes on toy assistant capabilities aimed at children.  Like the very successful adult assistants, these are ever listening,  and can gather data to be used with Big Data, which may create regulatory issues.

Caution: AI And Big Data Reaches Our Kids' Christmas Toys   Bernard Marr 

Not to be a Grinch or a Scrooge, but you’d better watch out when it comes to some of this season’s hottest Christmas toys.

Last year, I wrote about Mattel’s Hello Barbie, which responds realistically to your child by using natural language processing, machine learning and advanced analytics to parse what a child says and respond accordingly.  In order to do this, the toy has to record what the child says, send it to a cloud-based server, and receive instructions back. On Barbie, there’s a “listen” button the child has to press to start recording what she says in order to get a response.

Mattel claims that only they and their tech partner (currently) have access to these recordings, but with the newest generation of talking toys, the audience is a bit larger.

In fact, advocacy groups have filed a complaint with the FCC that some of this season’s hottest toys, including My Friend Cayla and the i-Que Intelligent Robot, are violating children’s privacy. ... " 

See COPPA   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Children's_Online_Privacy_Protection_Act

RFID Intelligence on Toys

In RFIDJournal.    Disney Research Explores Ways to Add RFID Intelligence to Robots, Toys
Walt Disney Co.'s lab network, together with scientists from MIT, the University of Washington and Carnegie Mellon, has developed systems that the company could use to help robots identify individuals, as well as to track everyday interactions between people and things. ... " 
By Claire Swedberg

RFID was early, simple IOT, so consider the implications.  Intelligent toys have long been covered in this blog, see the Toys tag link below.

Smart Talking Toys as Virtual Assistants

A kind of extension to the virtual assistant idea.   Toys that can engage, inform, aid, teach.  It is already here with advisors like Cortana, Alexa and Siri on a phone or tablet.  But is a toy a different kind of channel that requires more care?  Yes, I believe.   Will also get kids used to the idea of using virtual assistants.

In the WSJ:  (Registration, etc)
Talking Toys Are Getting Smarter: Should We Be Worried?
Internet-connected talking dolls like Hello Barbie that can actually converse are bewitching kids but unsettling parents. Are they really the menace critics have made them out to be? ... " 

One of the toy examples, a dinosaur called Dino, from Cognitoys, is said to be based on some Watson technology, and claims to provide a 'true companion'.   The article talks to MIT device psychology commentator Sherry Turkle about how such toys can mislead children.  The article discusses how the conversational data provided by children could be mis used.

Consider also the strong engagement factor formerly seen by the Tamagotchi toys.  Or from attempts at leveraging apparent intelligence in the toy.  With little help from biomorphic forms .   Previously talked about here.

Watson Trends looks at Holiday Toy Shopping

In Forbes.  Looks fairly obvious,  but it is  the specific forecast number that make a difference to the elements of the supply chain involved.

Kids Programming Toys

In Engadget: An internet of toys?  The idea of specially designed, kid oriented technical toys has been around for some time, most notable is Lego Mindstorms.  Still inclined to think that its best for kids to use systems that are most similar to those that adults use. The transition is easier.  It is more clear that these are serious pursuits.

Coolest Toys on Earth

Brought to my attention and meeting with: Coolest Toys on Earth.  See their About for more.   Local Cincinnati store.  Could gamification be connected?  See previously here on the Tamagotchi.

Proposed Thermal Imaging Wearable AR Headset

New from Metaio. A video describe the future possibilities.  Another level of sensor data will be possible.   In the press release: " ... With “Thermal Touch”, a wearable headset user could turn any surface into a touch-screen: Imagine pushing directions to your device simply by touching a static map in a shopping mall, building complex or airport; children could bring play to new levels and launch digital content directly from their toys; design professionals could visualize their digital and 3-D creations on their real world counterparts; and service technicians could pull up information just by touching an object in real life.

“Thermal Touch” is a prototype and far from everyday usability. Metaio released the demo to educate the community on the possibilities of computer vision. It is likely that in 5-10 years infrared cameras may join a multitude of advanced sensors being integrated into devices everyday, including the wearable augmented reality headsets of the near future. ... " 

Augmented Reality Toy Competition

I like the idea of connecting AR to toys.  It implies the connection of game dynamics as well. Can we then connect the ideas for serious purpose?  A competition sponsored by Metaio.  " ... Metaio, the worldwide leader in augmented reality (AR) software and solutions, and Berlin development studio Toywheel today announced the launch of the first global augmented reality development competition for toys and children’s games. The six-week competition will focus on the future of children’s entertainment, both in the toys themselves and how children will interact with digital media. Participation is open to both developers and non-developers, designers and even children , teenagers and parents with interesting ideas on the use of AR technology in the space ... "  

Drones are Joining the Robots in 3D

In IEEE Spectrum:  The drone empire of the future?  Robotics will, more commonly, be operating in 3D.   " ... Small unmanned aerial vehicles are changing from toys into tools, as businesses worldwide awaken to their importance. "At first, investors thought drones were not a market," says Chris Anderson, the former Wired editor and CEO of 3D Robotics, a maker of robotic aircraft. "Then, around nine months ago, they realized they were one." Last year, Anderson’s company got $30 million from venture capitalists. That second round of funding came on top of $6 million raised a year earlier and will help 3D Robotics gear up for the commercial market that the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to allow. And while his company bulks up, Anderson hopes that its roots in the amateur, DIY community will keep it close enough to the market to let it fend off the competition. "Now the question is, will we be the leader?" .. ." 

Tamagotchi to Re Hatch in 2014

Hard to believe it was over seventeen years ago, then we examined the Tamagotchi by  Bandai 'pets' as a means to connect with consumers.  They were a true craze then.  Children, even adults were feeding and caring for them.  Strangely persuasive toys. See  The Media Equation: How People Treat Computers, Television, and New Media Like Real People and Places" by Reeves and Nass.  We used those same findings to power other brand engagement approaches. It did not work, and was lost in a stream of hype, it ramped up and then failed.   But now it has been announced that they are coming back next year.  Will they succeed more broadly this time?   Still don't think so.  They are toys and not engaging entities.  It looked like we could find a way to connect to the emotions of people with very simple computing systems.   Will wait and see.

The WP also reports: " .. In early 2013, Bandai released an enhanced version of the original 1996 Tamagotchi as a free iOS and Android app named "Tamagotchi L.i.f.e." to great fanfare and reviews. ... " 

McDs 3D Printing in Store

McDonalds Doing 3D Printing in its stores?     " ... Fast food chain is also mulling tablets and touchscreen ordering kiosks FAST FOOD CHAIN McDonalds has said that it will consider bringing 3D printing into its 'restaurants' to broaden its appeal to technology savvy customers.

Speaking at the Fujitsu Forum in Germany this week, McDonalds IT director Mark Fabes said that the firm is currently mulling plans to bring 3D printing to its restaurants, hinting that it could be used for churning out Happy Meal toys ... "  

Location Analytics from Placed

Location Analytics example from Placed.  Dated but interesting with broad statistics: " ..... In the largest showrooming study to date, Placed identified Best Buy and Target as high-risk retailers for Amazon customers to view offline and buy online. Surprisingly, Best Buy and Target were not the most at risk for showroomers taking over their aisles. The results from the Placed: Aisle to Amazon Study found that consumers who showroom and then purchase on Amazon are 20% more likely to visit Best Buy and 15% more likely to visit Target than average, but Bed Bath & Beyond, PetSmart and Toys ‘R’ Us all face greater risk. ... " 

Evidence Tablets are Eroding PC Market

In GigaOM:    Even a cursory observation in any airport waiting room will demonstrate this. "  Naysayers may continue to ignore the trend, but tablets aren’t toys and the tablet market isn’t a fad, as 2012 shipments show. This year, tablets could surpass both desktops and laptops. So it turns out this tablet market isn’t quite a fad after all. Research firm IDC has numbers to prove it, publishing on Thursday the reported 2012 shipment figures for smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktops. It won’t surprise you that smartphones continue to be the tops among these devices, but it may surprise you that tablet shipments have nearly caught up with those of desktops ... "

Tabeo: A Child Focused Tablet

In CIO:  Not sure I agree.  Why not just have a collection of Apps aimed at the child?  Yet I imagine it will engage the parent that is not comfortable with the tablet idea to begin with.  And being child proof to some degree will may along make it worthwhile.  " ... The Toys "R" Us Tabeo is a 7-inch, multi-touch tablet. It offers 4 GB of internal flash memory, which is expandable through a microSD slot. Tabeo features 50 free, preinstalled apps that the retailer said it "carefully selected to entertain and educate children." Toys "R" Us is also launching an app store for Tabeo.  ... "