This Sub-$2,000 Robot Will Help Make Your Kid Smarter

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This Android-based social robot can educate and entertain kids, and even keep the elderly company.

Kids could be clamoring for an iPal social robot later this year, which promises to become a friend and educator for less than $2,000, a price that may actually be considered reasonable for the kind of technology that it uses.

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Before the iPal can make it to homes, AvatarMind will be spending the first half of this year working with app developers on kids content that's compatible with the robot, Duva said.

Credit: Jeremy Lips

(Image credit: Jeremy Lips)

The iPal can also be used to help care for the elderly, serving as a companion that can carry on conversations and monitor those who aren't as mobile as they used to be.

The iPal can also make sure that its users stay safe, Duva said. But don't be lulled into a false sense of security. Social robots aren't meant to replace common-sense safety measures that humans should be there to exercise around kids, like making sure young ones don't choke on small parts from toys that they put in their mouths.

Althea Chang

Althea Chang is Associate Director of Content Development for Consumer Reports and was previously a Senior Writer for Tom's Guide, covering mobile devices, health and fitness gadgets and car tech.