An articulated and animated toy capable of recognizing human users and interacting therewith includes a computer-based device storing encoded first human fingerprint data, a fingerprint sensor for acquirin data representative of a second human fingerprint, and software for fingerprint verification. The apparatus can further include software for recognizing speech, generating speech and controlling animation of the articulated toy. In addition, the toy is capable of learning and storing information pertaining to each of said human users such as name, age, sex, favorite color, etc., and to interact with each of said human users on an individual basis, providing entertainment tailored specifically to each of said human users.