Parents who prioritise privacy
You want to know before buying when the camera or microphone is active, and whether data leaves your child's bedroom.
Who is a companion robot suitable for?
Families looking for offline play
Local play responses may be enough for you. You want to distinguish between setup, updates and features that can genuinely be used without the internet.
Parents looking for conversation and stories
You want to encourage verbal interaction and check that it fits the age guidance, parental controls and requirements of each feature.
What should parents look for when buying?
The Verbraucherzentrale distinguishes between local data processing and features that depend on the internet. The Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention points out that some toys which can be used offline may still need to connect temporarily for setup or updates.
Local play responses
A good fit if: touch responses and preset games are enough, and open-ended conversations are not a priority.
Things to consider: local responses may work without an ongoing internet connection, but that does not mean open-ended answers or stories will be available.
App-controlled features
A good fit if: you want extra games or control options, and a parent can help with setup, updates and app use.
Things to consider: the presence of an app alone does not tell you whether the toy will work offline afterwards, or what data an individual feature processes.
Conversations and voice recognition
A good fit if: stories and verbal interaction are especially important, and you can check what they require.
Things to consider: camera and microphone features introduce additional sensors into your child's bedroom. Check that recording indicators and data flows are clear for the specific version.
| Priority | What should you look for? | Who is this especially relevant to? |
|---|---|---|
| Recording and privacy | Check recording indicators, access options and how data is processed for each feature. | If it matters to me that camera and microphone activity is clear and data flows are easy to understand, privacy comes first. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this. |
| Use without a constant connection | Check the connection requirements for setup, updates and the features you want, separately. | If local responses are enough for my child, I don't want to depend on online features every time the toy is used. Around 27% of consumers prioritise offline use. |
| Age-appropriate play | Check the play, voice and story features against the age and safety information for the specific version. | If my child mainly wants to play or listen to stories, I want to consider the relevant feature and age guidance together. Around 20% of consumers prioritise age-appropriate interaction. |
| Parental controls and features | Check the available settings, what's included and what is required to access additional content. | If I want to manage how the toy is used and understand what comes with the main unit, I check the app features and included accessories. Around 20% of consumers prioritise parental controls and the range of features. |
Which buying misconceptions should parents avoid?
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‘Offline’ does not mean ‘never connected’
A toy may respond locally but still need a connection for setup, updates or certain features.
For each play or voice feature you want, check when an app, account or internet connection is required.
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Extra features are not automatically included with the main unit
According to Energize Lab, the separately available AI Station adds conversations and stories to Eilik. The Miko app describes additional content for Miko Max.
Check what is actually included and what features the specific version offers, rather than assuming extras come with the main unit.
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A camera cover does not automatically disable the microphone
Energize Lab describes the AI Station as having a camera cover, while still allowing voice features to be used.
Check the camera and microphone separately, and find out how active recording is indicated and controlled.
Brands to consider
Energize Lab
Energize Lab describes Eilik as a desktop companion that responds to touch. The separately available AI Station adds conversations, stories and a camera.
- The separate product versions make it easier to distinguish simple responses from additional conversation and camera features.
- Information about the basic version does not necessarily apply to the AI Station. According to the manufacturer, the camera cover does not disable voice features; check the age guidance, markings and data flows for the specific version.
KEYi
KEYi describes Loona Petbot as a robotic pet with movement, games, and voice- and image-based interaction.
- The manufacturer lists an RGB camera, microphones and sensors – details that matter to families looking for an active robotic-pet play experience.
- Manufacturer descriptions alone do not clarify how recording indicators, data transmission or markings are handled for the specific German version.
Miko
According to the manufacturer, Miko combines conversation and play features on Miko 3 with a parent app. The app description distinguishes between Miko 3 and Miko Mini.
- For Miko 3, the manufacturer lists a camera, microphones and settings to switch them off.
- Information about stored voice recordings and safety features comes from the manufacturer. Features from other models or premium content should not be assumed to come as standard with Miko 3.
Joybuy products for interactive robot play
The Joybuy products below are designed for interactive robot play, with movement, remote control or gesture control. Some descriptions also mention voice recording or stories. Check the connection requirements, recording features and safety information for each version separately.
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Interactive robot with remote control
The description mentions voice recording with playback in a robot voice, as well as music and dancing – features that may appeal if you're looking for playful voice and movement interaction.
Remote and gesture control are listed. Not suitable for children under 3; use only under direct adult supervision. Before use, check how recording and playback are indicated and controlled.
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Dreamora 826 Smart Robot Toy, Dual Mode, White-Blue
For play involving stories, music and movement, the description lists remote and gesture control, as well as adjustable volume.
For children aged 6 and over; use only under full adult supervision. According to the description, use on flat, hard indoor surfaces and do not operate on wet floors, stairs or raised edges.
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Silverlit YCOO 88071 Programm A BOT X, 40 cm, White
The description lists gesture and remote control, programmable features and dance moves – a good option if you're looking for movement-based robot play.
Suitable for children aged 5 and over, and for use only under direct adult supervision. The product name gives a range of 1 m; according to the description, batteries are not included.
Frequently asked questions about companion robots for the bedroom
How can I tell whether a robot will play with my child without an internet connection?
Check each feature you want to use individually: local responses may work without the internet, while setup, updates or certain voice features may need a connection. The Verbraucherzentrale describes local processing as one possible way to use a toy without the internet.
Are conversations, stories or a parent app automatically included?
No. The features depend on the model and version. Energize Lab sells the AI Station separately for additional conversation and story features; the Miko app describes extra content for Miko Max. Before buying, check which features are included with the specific version.
Are robots with a camera or microphone automatically banned in Germany?
No. A camera or microphone alone does not mean that a device is banned. The Bundesnetzagentur describes a ban on everyday objects disguised as something else, with a hidden camera or microphone, if they record without people noticing and transmit wirelessly to other devices. Whether a particular device falls into this category depends on its specific features.
What CE marking must a robot classified as a toy carry?
Under section 13 of the 2. ProdSV, toys made available in Germany must display a visible, legible and permanent CE marking. Whether a particular companion robot is legally classified as a toy must be checked for that specific product. According to EUR-Lex, the new EU Toy Safety Regulation will replace the current directive only from 1 August 2030.
What should I check before setting up the toy and using it later?
Read the instructions and privacy information, use a unique password for connected toys, install any available updates and switch off sensors you don't need. These recommendations come from the Polizeiliche Kriminalprävention; they do not replace checking the features and information for a specific model.