As the holiday shopping season ramps up, online marketplaces and social media feeds are being overrun by ads for seemingly advanced “AI” robot dogs at bargain prices. A prime example trending online is the Nico robot dog, which is advertised with impressive, AI-generated videos showing lifelike behaviors. However, consumer reports and investigations reveal these products are often simple, low-quality toys with no actual AI, sold with misleading descriptions and inflated prices.
Beneath the slick, often entirely fabricated video demonstrations, these robotic pets are typically basic plush toys with limited, pre-programmed movements and sounds. Customer reviews frequently cite disappointment, receiving a product made of cheap materials that bears little resemblance to the advertised AI marvel. More concerning are the potential safety issues, as these unverified electronics may contain poorly manufactured lithium-ion batteries that pose a fire or chemical leak risk.
Before you click “buy” on a deal that seems too good to be true, it’s critical to perform due diligence. Shoppers should search for independent reviews, scrutinize seller ratings, and be wary of generic testimonials on the product’s own website. If a listing contains deceptive information, consumer advocacy groups like Adhoc Support CIC recommend reporting it directly to the marketplace and to organizations that track systemic consumer harm to prevent others from falling for the same trap.
Why is this important?
This trend represents a new frontier of online retail scams fueled by generative AI. It’s a classic bait-and-switch, but now supercharged with convincing deepfake videos and marketing copy that can be produced at scale. This practice of “AI-washing”—attributing artificial intelligence capabilities to a simple electronic toy—not only deceives consumers but also poses tangible safety risks, especially with toys intended for children that may not meet safety standards for batteries and materials. It highlights a growing need for consumer skepticism and regulatory oversight as AI tools make it easier than ever to create polished, persuasive, and entirely false advertising.
