Latest Trend Hunter Report Explores the Rise of AI-Driven Family Tech & Retail Innovation

July 3, 2025 | Toy Association members can now access a complimentary new Trend Hunter report that explores how advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and smart solutions are being integrated across everyday experiences — from parenting and caregiving to smart shopping and immersive brand engagement.

From AI-powered parenting apps to emotionally responsive home robots, brands are harnessing advanced tech to support families with customized, real-time insights. At the same time, retailers are using AI to create dynamic, gamified interactions that turn shopping into a meaningful, trust-building experience with consumers.

Some examples highlighted in this report include:

• AI Co-Parenting — Tools like BestInterest and OurFamilyWizard help divorced or separated parents coordinate care through AI scheduling, tone-sensitive messaging, and predictive tools designed to reduce conflict. These apps are reframing parenting tech as both a support system and a tool for emotional regulation.
  
  
• Companion Care — A new wave of AI-enabled care devices is transforming how families approach aging and daily support. The Hyodol Doll, already approved by the FDA, offers solo-living seniors a friendly, emotionally responsive companion equipped with medication reminders, activity prompts, and emergency alerts. Lemmy, a CES Innovation Award honoree, provides mobility support and intuitive smart home integration to help older adults stay connected, independent, and engaged with loved ones.
  
  
• AI Experience — Haribo and Betty Crocker are among the brands reimagining retail through interactive experiences powered by AI. Haribo’s in-airport activations feature mobile games and instant giveaways, while the Betty Crocker’s Dream Bake Studio pop-up invited guests to combat “baker’s block” by using AI to design their ideal cake and supply the personalized ingredients to make it.

This report is the latest in a series from Trend Hunter that is exclusive to Toy Association members. These reports offer in-depth perspectives and trends in various areas related to the toy industry and youth markets to help spark unique ideas. For additional relevant trends, members can click on the report’s consumer insights examples, scroll down, and click the images for further information.

TrendHunter.com has accumulated nearly 3 billion views from more than 100 million visitors. The data research company helps clients “Dive Deeper,” “Work Smarter,” and “Save Effort” in order to increase the overall success of their companies and brands.