A new AI-powered toy called Stickerbox is gaining attention for its surprisingly engaging creative play experience. The device, created by Brooklyn-based startup Hapiko, allows children to verbally describe an image and instantly receive a printed sticker based on their idea, which can then be colored and used as they wish. While initial reactions might be skeptical, early testers are finding Stickerbox offers a unique blend of technology and traditional art.
Stickerbox represents a novel approach to children’s entertainment, blending voice-activated technology with the tactile joy of physical stickers. The product aims to foster imagination while introducing young users to the capabilities of artificial intelligence in a safe and controlled environment.
Testing the AI Sticker Printer
The Stickerbox itself is a compact, red device featuring a black-and-white screen and a prominent “push-to-talk” button. It ships with three rolls of thermal paper, capable of producing 180 stickers, along with a set of colored pencils. The aesthetic deliberately evokes nostalgia for classic toys like the Etch A Sketch, offering a parallel experience of transforming thought into a tangible creation.
However, instead of manipulating physical knobs, children prompt the AI through voice commands. The intent is to prioritize creative exploration over technical mastery, allowing kids to focus on the “what” they want to create rather than the “how.” The device’s simplicity is a key feature, making it accessible to a wide range of ages.
Setting up the device requires initial parental assistance, mirroring the process of connecting a smart speaker to a home Wi-Fi network. The process proved straightforward during testing, completing in under a minute.
Using Stickerbox is equally simple. A child presses the button, verbally describes a desired image, releases the button, and waits for the printer to produce a sticker. The AI interprets the command and generates a corresponding image, which appears on the screen and is subsequently printed.
The thermal printing process eliminates the need for ink cartridges, and the paper is designed to be both BPA and BPS-free, prioritizing child safety. The printed stickers are easily peeled off and ready for coloring, providing a bridge between digital creation and traditional artistic engagement. This allows kids to experience the quick gratification of a digital creation followed by the mindful activity of coloring, making it a good addition to children’s creative toys.
Making “AI for kids” a Reality
Hapiko, the company behind Stickerbox, was founded this year by Arun Gupta and Robert Whitney. Gupta and Whitney previously collaborated at Grailed, where Whitney served as director of Engineering and Gupta as CEO. The pair’s entrepreneurial journey dates back to 2022 with the successful sale of Grailed to GOAT Group.
Whitney’s background also includes a role as director of engineering at The New York Times’ Games division, where he oversaw the expansion of its gaming offerings, including the acquisition of Wordle. More recently, his experience at Anthropic provided valuable insights into the advancements in artificial intelligence.
The genesis of Stickerbox, however, stemmed from Whitney’s personal experience as a father. He initially created a custom coloring page for his son using ChatGPT, which prompted him to consider the potential for a dedicated device that could simplify and enhance the experience.
“I made it for him — a tiger eating ice cream,” Whitney explained. “And he had never seen a printer before. I got out from under the bed our HP printer — literally dusted it off and printed it for him, and he ran off happily and started coloring it.” This positive reaction highlighted the “magic” of seeing ideas instantly materialized.
Gupta emphasized the company’s focus on creating AI specifically designed for children. “Nobody’s building AI specifically for kids,” he said. “So that’s what we’re looking for. What are the right guardrails? What are the right ways? What are the right products?”
The device utilizes a combination of AI models, with proprietary technology focused on safety. It filters inappropriate content and language, ensuring a child-friendly experience. Hapiko is currently focused on making this AI tech for kids safe and fun.
Looking ahead, Hapiko plans to launch a companion app to enhance the Stickerbox experience. The app will allow users to save their creations and potentially unlock premium features. The company also aims to continually improve the AI model and add new capabilities over time. The long-term success of Stickerbox will depend on sustained updates and a dedication to user safety, navigating the evolving landscape of AI responsibly.
