OnChain Studios, the Web3 collective behind non-fungible token (NFT) company Cryptoys, is introducing a kid-friendly artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot to its character-based digital collectibles. The AI software, called ChatGuardian, features a chat filter that parents can customize to ensure their kids have safe conversations with their NFTs. According to Will Weinraub, CEO and co-founder of OnChain Studio and Cryptoys, “You get the same kind of AI functionality that [kids] are so used to, and it’s so natural for them these days – but with their favorite characters.”
ChatGuardian, which OnChain Studios has been developing for the past two years, will first be integrated into Cryptoys’ Zoo-F-O collection. It will add additional kid-safe verifications in its second release. After raising $23 million in funding from crypto investment firm a16z, NFT company Dapper Labs and toy manufacturing giant Mattel in June 2022, Cryptoys has been dedicated to building out its products and partnerships ahead of its dive into AI. In November, it teamed up with Mattel to release a series of digital action figures inspired by the Masters of the Universe film. In May, Cryptoys partnered with Disney to release its Star Wars themed series of NFTs, featuring characters from the iconic film franchise.
Alfonso Martinez, Chief Experience Officer at Cryptoys, said in a press release that the company’s priority is to maintain its safety standards and provide the technology to put parents’ minds at ease. “We have faith in the future of AI and its amazing abilities to bring to life some of our favorite characters and have our children play with them in a way they’ve never done before – but none of that matters if it’s not on a platform that is as safe as possible,” said Martinez.