Elemental Path returns to Indiegogo for new AI-based CogniToy

Elemental Path paved the way for artificial intelligence in toys in 2015 with the launch of its CogniToys dinosaur, Dino. Today, the New York company is launching an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to raise money for its newest product, the CogniToys STEMosaur.

The original CogniToys tapped IBM Watson for its AI smarts. But in the past year, Elemental Path replaced Watson with its own Friendgine AI technology, a cloud-based artificial intelligence software platform that allows smart toys to hold an intelligent conversation with a child.

The friendly green STEMosaur is designed as a learning companion and is customizable for various lessons in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). It also offers lessons in coding.

Elemental Path hopes to raise $25,000 in 45 days, with an early bird backing level starting at $99.

“We launched the Dino in 2015 with a very successful crowdfunding campaign that raised over a quarter-million dollars. In the past two years since, we’ve definitely learned a lot about our users and what they want in a product, and we are using these important lessons to create an even better and more hands-on experience with kids,” said Donald Coolidge, CEO and cofounder of Elemental Path, in a statement. “This time around with the STEMosaur, we’ll be offering a more interactive and engaging experience — where kids will have the ability to construct the STEMosaur from scratch, carry intelligent conversation, play games, and also learn the basics of coding.”

Above: CogniToys first debuted in 2015. Now STEMosaur is joining the family.

Image Credit: Elemental Path

With STEMosaur, kids ages seven and older will be able to construct, code, and play. The learning begins with a hands-on exercise that allows children to construct their new friend from a variety of building pieces to bring it to life.

Once you build it, the Wi-Fi-enabled STEMosaur will be able to use Elemental Path’s Friendgine to hold a conversation, tell jokes, and play games that engage the user’s imagination and creativity.

Above: CogniToys’ STEMosaur can help kids learn to code.

Image Credit: Elemental Path

In addition, Elemental Path is launching its coding panel, a platform that teaches different elements of coding and lets kids create their own custom educational content and STEMosaur programming. The coding panel will be accessible through a computer or tablet. You can code the STEMosaur to tell unique jokes, share additional stories, and play games of the child’s choosing.

“It’s clear that parents want their kids to play with toys that teach something, especially elements of coding and STEM. We see the STEMosaur, and the CogniToys line as a whole, as a way to unlock kids’ creativity and foster their imaginations through intelligent hands-on play,” said Coolidge. “Our goal is for CogniToys to help fuel the next generation of engineers and scientists.”

STEMosaur is also equipped with a Parent Panel so that parents can stay engaged and informed about what their child is learning. The Parent Panel monitors usage patterns and learning progress. It also includes features such as a bedtime setting.

The Indiegogo campaign is now live and runs through October 3. The company plans to ship STEMosaurs in November. CogniToys has raised $5 million to date and has 22 employees.