Horror, hype or hope? Exploring AI-enabled toys and educational technologies for neurotypical and neurodivergent young children Speaker: Jenny Gibson, Professor of Neurodiversity and Developmental Psychology, University of CambridgeAbout this eventChatbots powered by artificial intelligence and embedded into toys are already on sale and being marketed towards young children. These toys are often framed as beneficial for neurodivergent children, claiming to support friendship, emotional regulation and learning. In this talk, I will present recent research from the Play and Communication Lab team that investigates companion chatbots embedded into cuddly toys and interrogates claims of neuro-affirming educational technologies.About the speakerJenny Gibson is Professor of Neurodiversity and Developmental Psychology at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. Jenny leads the Play and Communication Lab, a team investigating how play supports human development and flourishing.Venue informationThis will be a hybrid lecture which will run from 4-5pm and be held both online (on Microsoft Teams) and at Moray House School of Education and Sport, in Charteris Land, room 5.02. For those who are able to join us in person earlier, refreshments will be on offer from 3:30-4pm.The location of Charteris Land can be seen on our campus maps: UoE | Campus Maps Photos of the building, along with information on a variety of things, including accessing the building, getting around inside, toilet and changing facilities, parking, lifts and stairs are available on AccessAble's website: Charteris Land | AccessAbleWhen you enter the front doors of Charteris Land, you will be greeted by members of staff at the University who will give you directions on where to go. Your name will also be ticked off on the registration list. Room 5.02 in Charteris Land is situated on the fifth floor of the building. The fifth floor can be accessed by the lifts or the stairs. There will be signs to direct you on where to go once you reach the fifth floor.MS Teams login details will be included in your Eventbrite registration confirmation message.For any enquiries or if you do not receive the confirmation message, please contact us at MHSES-REI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Education events Research centres, groups and networks Social Justice and Inclusion May 07 2026 16.00 - 17.00 Horror, hype or hope? Exploring AI-enabled toys and educational technologies for neurotypical and neurodivergent young children This public lecture, jointly hosted by the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre (SMRC), is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Charteris Land 5.02 Moray House School of Education and Sport University of Edinburgh Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AQ Register on Eventbrite by 4th May
Horror, hype or hope? Exploring AI-enabled toys and educational technologies for neurotypical and neurodivergent young children Speaker: Jenny Gibson, Professor of Neurodiversity and Developmental Psychology, University of CambridgeAbout this eventChatbots powered by artificial intelligence and embedded into toys are already on sale and being marketed towards young children. These toys are often framed as beneficial for neurodivergent children, claiming to support friendship, emotional regulation and learning. In this talk, I will present recent research from the Play and Communication Lab team that investigates companion chatbots embedded into cuddly toys and interrogates claims of neuro-affirming educational technologies.About the speakerJenny Gibson is Professor of Neurodiversity and Developmental Psychology at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. Jenny leads the Play and Communication Lab, a team investigating how play supports human development and flourishing.Venue informationThis will be a hybrid lecture which will run from 4-5pm and be held both online (on Microsoft Teams) and at Moray House School of Education and Sport, in Charteris Land, room 5.02. For those who are able to join us in person earlier, refreshments will be on offer from 3:30-4pm.The location of Charteris Land can be seen on our campus maps: UoE | Campus Maps Photos of the building, along with information on a variety of things, including accessing the building, getting around inside, toilet and changing facilities, parking, lifts and stairs are available on AccessAble's website: Charteris Land | AccessAbleWhen you enter the front doors of Charteris Land, you will be greeted by members of staff at the University who will give you directions on where to go. Your name will also be ticked off on the registration list. Room 5.02 in Charteris Land is situated on the fifth floor of the building. The fifth floor can be accessed by the lifts or the stairs. There will be signs to direct you on where to go once you reach the fifth floor.MS Teams login details will be included in your Eventbrite registration confirmation message.For any enquiries or if you do not receive the confirmation message, please contact us at MHSES-REI-Events@ed.ac.uk. Tags Education events Research centres, groups and networks Social Justice and Inclusion May 07 2026 16.00 - 17.00 Horror, hype or hope? Exploring AI-enabled toys and educational technologies for neurotypical and neurodivergent young children This public lecture, jointly hosted by the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre (SMRC), is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment. Charteris Land 5.02 Moray House School of Education and Sport University of Edinburgh Holyrood Road Edinburgh EH8 8AQ Register on Eventbrite by 4th May
May 07 2026 16.00 - 17.00 Horror, hype or hope? Exploring AI-enabled toys and educational technologies for neurotypical and neurodivergent young children This public lecture, jointly hosted by the Centre for Research in Education Inclusion and Diversity (CREID) and the Salvesen Mindroom Research Centre (SMRC), is part of the Stewart Alan Robertson Lecture Series funded by the Robertson Endowment.
