CES 2017 unveils hottest tech toys for kids

This year's fair showcased kid-friendly versions of usually adult-driven gadgets such as robots, drones and Amazon Echo assistants.

The recently concluded CES 2017, held annually at the Las Vegas Convention Center, treated its participants to a wide array of gadgets and consumer products featuring the latest technology, and which are expected to set the trend for the year. Although most selections are geared toward adults and techies, also on display were smart toys that are specifically designed for the kids.

For the past few years, manufacturers have been putting an emphasis on toys that do more than entertain children, and 2017 is no different. The latest releases adopt technology that allow the units to grow and develop with the child via enhanced personal interaction through a variety of educational games and activities.

One of the stand-out tech toys at CES 2017 was Mattel's Aristotle, which is basically an Amazon Echo assistant for kids. Developed in partnership with Microsoft, Qualcomm and Silk Labs, the voice-activated baby monitor helps keep track of the child's developmental stages from infancy to adolescence to provide age-appropriate content. For example, it can be used to buy diapers online, play games, answer questions, finish homework and learn foreign languages. Similar virtual assistants are CogniToys Dino and C-Way Memoo.

Fusing physical playtime with screentime, Fisher-Price's Smart Cycle is a miniature Bluetooth-connected bike that comes with a tablet, which is equipped with games that can only be played and finished by pedaling on the bicycle. The app-enabled toy also familiarizes toddlers with basic literacy and STEM lessons. Similar is Honda's DreamDrive, an in-vehicle toy that uses a VR headset to show real and imagined places while the car is in motion.

Lego, as a staple toy spanning different generations, introduces a smarter way to play with its blocks. Its Boost set consists of motorized pieces that can be attached to ordinary ones to build moving creations such as robots. It comes with an accompanying app on which players can program each block and learn about coding at the same time.

Most toys on display at the show focus on teaching children STEM methods through DIY and hands-on approach. Robots and drones are also still popular.