Psychological robots: how technology is helping children with autism

Doctors have long used IT to treat a wide variety of diseases. Today there are already created for people with ASD

programs aimed at supporting them insocial communication, motor skills and sensory issues. And recently, robotic technologies have begun to be introduced to teach, comfort, and generally support those on the spectrum. Autistic children and adults have benefited from robotic solutions to help them with life skills and learning.

Robots supporting children with autism

For many children around the world, living with autismis a serious problem. They often need additional support to develop social, speech, communication, cognitive and motor skills. This is where robots can help. Digital technology can play a huge role in learning while providing a non-judgmental environment.

Social robots form a bridge between the real andvirtual worlds. They physically interact with children and may exhibit complex behaviors. They will do all of this without looking intimidating and creating a more relaxed environment than when interacting with another person (people with autism have a different perception of eye contact and social interaction).

Humanoid foods for children with autism

QTrobot - a robot with a charming appearance fromLuxAI. It has two movable arms and a large head with a large LCD screen that acts as a robot face. QTrobot can see, hear and speak thanks to the RealSense 3D camera, sensitive microphone and powerful speakers. It can convey a wide variety of emotions with clear visual cues, making it easier for people with autism to recognize. Its height is about 60 cm and its weight is about 5 kg. The robotic assistant is easy to program and customize.

Nao is a two-meter robot from SoftBankRobotics.Can walk, talk, dance and engage children in activities. Nao can read facial expressions, maintain appropriate eye contact, and even give a high-five, congratulating its young owner on a successful assignment. Speech recognition and dialogue are available in 20 languages. The device has cameras, microphones, speakers, touch sensors and LEDs.

Milo is an advanced social robot.Uses children's voices to improve their communication skills. Milo is a 60 cm tall humanoid who can communicate with humans using voice and facial expressions. Continuously teaches lessons in a way that learners with ASD respond to. When Milo speaks, characters are displayed on the screen of his chest. During its lessons, the robot shows the student 4-5 second video clips on a tablet.

Kaspar is an interactive humanoid as tall as a child.Acts as a social mediator to help children explore basic emotions. The robot uses a series of simplified facial and body expressions, gestures and speech to interact with children and help overcome social isolation. Kaspar can autonomously respond to touch using sensors on the cheeks, body, arms and legs, and participate in multiple interactive play scenarios. It helps children learn fundamental social skills such as imitation and sequencing. The robot provides cognitive learning by offering its owners games related to personal hygiene and nutrition. He can hold a comb, toothbrush or spoon and even sing along with the child.

Moxie is a small robot with wide openeyes. Can read facial expressions and talk to children. It helps them explore a variety of human experiences, ideas, and life skills, including kindness, friendship, empathy, or respect. The robot can draw, read or meditate with the child. But the main function of Moxie is to teach children with ASD basic life skills such as taking turns, active listening, emotion regulation, empathy and problem solving.

Jibo is an unusual robot with a three-cylindera body that makes body movements smoother and more expressive. He can have fun conversations with children: his speech engine is based on approximately 14,000 pre-recorded phrases. Jibo has high-definition cameras, built-in speakers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules, an LCD touch screen, touch sensors, microphones and a processor.

Leka is a nice round shape device,designed in such a way that it would be more convenient for him to connect with children. The robot lights up with multi-colored LEDs and plays music; it contains a screen that displays various facial expressions. He can display photos and videos, make various sounds designed to attract the attention of children, and invite them to play by asking them to indicate colors or objects.

Paro - a therapeutic robot that simulates a voicea real harp seal baby. It has five sensors: tactile, auditory, light, temperature and body position sensor, which allows it to perceive people and the environment. With light sensor, it can sense light and dark. With a tactile sensor and a posture sensor, he can feel being stroked, hit, or held. Paro can also recognize voice and words such as names and greetings. He can learn to behave in the way the user prefers and to react to his new name.

How robots have influenced children with autism

A study conducted by scientists from YaleUniversity, showed a significant improvement in social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) after a month of working with robots. Modeling eye contact and other social behaviors, the robots taught children from 12 participating families through storytelling and interactive games designed to develop social skills such as emotional understanding, taking turns and seeing things from others' perspectives.

Research by a professor of computer scienceBrian Scassellati began with a baseline assessment of children's skills and emotional development. A month later, a robot was placed in each of the houses and the children worked with it for 30 minutes every day for 30 days. In the last part, the researchers assessed the children again to measure their progress.

According to researchers, improvements in socialповедении были замечены в клинических данных, включая результаты шести интерактивных игр. Воспитатели детей (в этом исследовании либо родитель, либо бабушка или дедушка) также сообщили, что к концу исследования дети стали заметно лучше устанавливать зрительный контакт и инициировать общение.

AI perspectives in helping children with autism socialize

Verified Market Research states thatThe market for solutions and services for the treatment and care of autism spectrum disorders is projected to reach $ 4.53 billion by 2027 and will grow at a CAGR of 4.27%. In addition, a growing understanding of the nature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) promotes early detection and thus timely diagnosis, allowing more children to access care much earlier.

An increase in the number of information campaigns within the framework ofvarious government initiatives around the world have provided children with ASD with early access to evidence-based treatment. Through numerous initiatives, growing government funding and sponsored awareness-raising programs, medical interventions and their follow-up innovations are giving children with ASD a chance to socialize and live fulfilling lives.

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