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LEGO has been called out for using AI-generated images in an official quiz after fans noticed issues with the imagery used.
Well, it seems that artificial intelligence’s struggles to recreate human features such as hands and fingers extend to LEGO figurines, as Danish toy giant LEGO found out after fans of its LEGO Ninjago series caught the company using AI-generated images.
People noticed images used in an official Ninjago quiz on the LEGO website using images that were clearly AI-generated based on typical flaws in AI-generated imagery.
The images in question were poorly generated, with issues with limbs and hangs, as well as anomalies in the backgrounds.
The use of these images received major critique from both fans and its own creators, who criticised LEGO for lazily using AI to create art for an official product.
The images were first pointed out by X user @legoanimegirl or Naomi, who pointed out that LEGO is a “billion-dollar company”.
LEGO Ninjago creator and showrunner Tommy Andreasen quickly responded to the post, calling the images “lousy in all aspects” and pointing out that LEGO had regulations in place for the use of AI.
“I will definitely report this internally, and I hope it will be scrubbed fast,” he said.
“This is just lousy in all aspects. There are actual guidelines against the use of AI like this at LEGO so this is completely unacceptable. Art should be made by artists.”
I will definitely report this internally and I hope it will be scrubbed fast. This is just lousy in all aspects. There are actual guidelines against the use of AI like this at LEGO so this is completely unacceptable. Art should be made by artists. https://t.co/TJQj8pgB3C
— Dream chaser (@TommyAndreasen) March 15, 2024
Beyond the poor generation of limbs, backgrounds and other details, the images also included non-Ninjago imagery, such as symbols from other brands and shows such as Naruto, the act of which has the potential to land the company in legal trouble.
LEGO has since issued an apology for the images used in the quiz, reiterating the guidelines for not using AI in this way.
“We have a clear policy not to use generative AI to create LEGO® content,” LEGO said in a statement.
“We fundamentally believe in the wonder and power of human creativity and will continue to encourage and celebrate the talented artists who help bring our brand and characters to life.
“These images were used in a test, which happened outside of our usual approval processes, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that it won’t happen again.”
The company continued, saying that despite the incident, it would not be writing off the use of AI, and the applications of the technology would continue to be explored.
“We believe generative AI offers interesting opportunities, and we will continue to explore how we can use it to improve the experiences we offer and our ways of working.”
LEGO’s AI debacle raises questions as to how AI should be used in a creative aspect and the role that humans have in true creative thought.
Already, AI is being used to create images, video content, music, and more, threatening creative industries and the thousands of people in them, many of whom are already facing career and financial struggles.
While it is largely believed that AI has a long way to go before replacing true human creativity, the idea of large organisations cutting costs by replacing artists with AI that delivers a lower-quality product is a major concern.
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