The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE (C4IR UAE), a collaboration between Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and World Economic Forum (WEF), has launched the second Smart Toys Competition, WAM said in a statement.
The competition aims to boost “learning, critical thinking, social engagement and creativity” in children through AI-powered toys.
Toys equipped with artificial intelligence have become popular over the years as they offer children a personalised learning and play experience, according to World Economic Forum (WEF).
The competition supports the development of smart toys as means to help children overcome challenges through AI-based content, which would help enhance creativity while being entertained at the same time.
Through these toys that adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the protection of children including their data and privacy, C4IR UAE seeks to position Dubai as a “leading child-friendly city,” WAM said.
“The Smart Toys Competition reflects Dubai’s belief in fostering global partnerships to develop innovative solutions for key sectors, including education,” C4IR UAE head Mariam Al Muhairi said.
Al Muhairi added these partnerships “leverage Dubai’s crucial position as a global innovation hub to continue to test new technologies,” through the implementation of regulations and ethics.
The competition, partnered with WEF, creates a “unique way of protecting and empowering children,” WEF’s member of the executive committee and head of artificial intelligence and machine learning explained.
The competition will award seven winners across seven different categories – all open to local and global startups, as well as toy developers.
The categories include creative play, learn-to-code, robotics, smart companion, smart speakers for kids and the most innovative take on AI for kids.
In addition, companies will also receive a ‘website badge’, indicating the toy won the Smart Toy Award in a specific category in 2022.
Winners will be announced on World Children’s Day which falls on November 20 every year and will also see future opportunities with the WEF, related to toys and AI Governance.
The winners will also be able to display their toy at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
Submitted applications and toys will undergo a series of assessments to ensure that each toy provides clear value to the child and meets the competition’s standards and principles, WAM said, adding that companies looking to participate in the competition can submit their projects and ideas by 31st August, 2022 via Dubai Future website.
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