When we think of the first AI robot toy, one furry name always comes up—Furby. Released in 1998, this toy wasn't just cute. It changed how we saw technology in playtime. But was it really the first AI robot toy? Let's take a closer look.
Furby: The Breakthrough AI Robot Toy
Furby is often called the first real AI robot toy because of how it interacted with people. It started by speaking its own made-up language, “Furbish.” Over time, it “l(fā)earned” English. That simple learning trick made Furby feel alive to kids around the world.
More than 40 million Furbies were sold between 1998 and 2000. That proves how powerful the idea of an AI robot toy really was—even in the late '90s. Furby used sound, light, and motion sensors to respond to users. It wasn't just talking—it was reacting.
How Did Furby Work Like an AI Robot Toy?
Furby didn't have advanced machine learning like today's robots. Still, it had simple rules to “l(fā)earn” and change over time. That ability made it a basic AI robot toy. It could:
React to being petted or tickled
Start dancing to music
“Learn” new words
Communicate with other Furbies via infrared
These features weren't just fun—they were the foundation for more advanced AI robot toys we see today, like Moxie or Cozmo.
Were There Other AI Robot Toys Before Furby?
Before Furby, there were robot toys, but not real AI robot toys. For example, Omnibot 2000 by TOMY (1985) could move and talk, but it didn’t learn or react. Robert the Robot (1954) could move with a remote but had no sensors or smart features.
These older toys were fun but not smart. They lacked the core thing that makes an AI robot toy special—the ability to change behavior based on interaction.
Why the First AI Robot Toy Still Matters
Furby opened the door for a new kind of smart play. It proved that kids were ready for toys that could “think.” Since then, the AI robot toy industry has grown fast. According to Statista, the global robot toy market could hit $4.5 billion by 2027.
Today's AI robot toys do more—some teach coding, others read emotions. But Furby showed us how powerful it is when a toy seems to “know” you.
In Summary: Furby Was the First True AI Robot Toy
The first real AI robot toy wasn't just a robot. It was a companion, a teacher, and a glimpse into the future. Furby taught us that a toy could be more than just plastic and wires. It could learn, talk, and grow with you.
And that’s what makes Furby the first—and one of the most important—AI robot toys in history.