Mattel aims to bring a fully connected and AI-driven ecosystem to parenting with new products launched at CES.
The Aristotle ecosystem centers around a connected, AI-driven WiFi and
Bluetooth speaker, which visually appears similar to Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home and a small WiFi camera.
However, the software and services behind the device are specifically
designed to aid in nurturing and educating children from the early stages to adolescence, according to Mattel.
“Raising kids can be hectic and we saw a need for an IoT system that
simplifies the complex and dynamic lives of families, while providing them with peace of mind,” Jim Mitchell, VP and GM of Nabi, said.
“Our goal with the launch of Aristotle is to
provide parents with a platform that simplifies parenting, while helping them nurture, teach and protect their young ones.”
Parent and Child modes alter the user experience and
capabilities of the device and are customizable. For example, Mattel said in Child mode, ecommerce capabilities could be disabled and engagement with the assistant could require the word "please" to
complete a request.
The device, which is voice-controlled, leverages cognitive services from Microsoft and Silk Labs and learns and evolves over time as the child’s needs change. Mattel
also plans to add Microsoft’s Cortana Intelligence capabilities in the future.
As a result, it can autonomously address needs of the child and parents such as soothing crying, find
online deals and purchase products, teach foreign languages and reinforce good manners, according to Mattel.
For example, if the system’s camera detects the baby moving or the microphone
detects crying, it can automatically play a lullaby and turn on dimmed lights.
Aristotle also supports IFTTT (If This Then That) so parents can set up similar reactive events with other
connected products in the home.
Connected products from Samsung’s SmartThings platform, Philips Lighting, Wemo and Wink can be integrated with Aristotle and Mattel plans to launch
additional products for the ecosystem, starting with a baby monitor.
Security and privacy are also built into the ecosystem, and Mattel says it focused on complying with COPPA and HIPAA
protocols for its use of data.