KUMMA BEAR
2025
Kumma Bear was marketed as the “smart, AI-powered plush companion that goes beyond cuddles!” The adorable stuffed animal promised to bring “a little extra curiosity to your day.”
However, the cute little bear’s interactions with children quickly turned into a nightmare for parents. Researchers at the US PIRG Education Fund discovered that, due to a lack of adequate safeguards, the bear offered potentially dangerous advice. It could tell children where to find knives and pills, and how to light matches. It even engage in sexually explicit conversations.
Parents don’t want their children’s toys to give advice on the BDSM sex.
Sales were suspended immediately. While sales later resumed with improved protections, the initial KUMMA BEAR failure certainly belongs here in the Museum of Failure.
A screengrab of the FoloToy webpage for the company's AI-enabled "Kumma" bear (FoloToy)
Additional info:
CNN Business - Sales of AI-enabled teddy bear suspended after it gave advice on BDSM sex and where to find knives
The New York Times - A.I. Toy Bear Speaks of Sex, Knives and Pills, Consumer Groups Warns
Independent - AI-powered plushie pulled from shelves after giving advice on BDSM sex and where to find knives