Get Smart: New Robot Helps Social Skills of Kids with Autism

Improves eye contact and attention

A team of researchers at Vanderbilt University have created a robot to assist children with autism. Paired with cameras, sensors and computers, the fully-programmable robot is designed to help children develop basic social learning skills. As kids with autism may find it more difficult to maintain eye contact with other people and surrounding objects, the robot gives verbal prompts and gestures to the child to attract their attention. Additionally, the robot will work with screens around the room to introduce songs and videos to trigger interest. When the child responds, it gives encouragement. The team found children engaged more with the robot compared to its human therapist counterpart because of less intimidation and anxiety. "Children experience anxiety dealing with people because they think they have to live up to expectations. Here, they know the robot doesn't expect anything and so they're not intimated by demands, whereas a human therapist may get annoyed or impatient," said Nilanjan Sarkar, a Vanderbilt professor of mechanical engineering. (Mashable)

[SUBSCRIBE TO LOOP 21 RSS FEED]