In the U.S., one in 88 children are on the autism spectrum. iPads and sensory tools are making a difference in the classroom, but when it comes to helping kids with autism understand social cues and emotional behavior, these five robots are making a big impact.
This first adorable robot is named Keepon. He tilts, bounces, dances, makes sounds and movements based on different emotions. Mashable explains, "Keepon's simple design and mannerisms make it an effective communication tool that doesn't intimidate kids with autism. Also, its cuteness factor is nothing short of infectious."
KASPAR
Meet KASPAR. The robot built at the University of Hertfordshire in the U.K. was created to help autistic children understand emotion and facial expressions. Robotics PhD student Luke Wood is in the photo making some final touches before the Robotville exhibition at the Science Museum on November 29, 2011, in London, England.
Professor Dautenhahn of the University of Hertfordshire told ScienceDaily that "parents and teachers are amazed at the transformation in children's behavior?some seeing the children make eye contact, seek to share experiences or mimic actions for the first time when playing with KASPAR. These small steps are big breakthroughs for the children, and their families and teachers."
Bandit
Bandit the Robot may not hold the cure for autism, but he can certainly help along the way. Designed by researchers at the Univerisity of Southern California, the child-sized metallic robot has some very human-like features?a movable mouth, archable eyebrows, and camera eyes that allow him to "watch" as he plays.
Human-like, but not human, which is an important distinction for the researchers. Many autistic children have trouble sorting out the subtle complexities of human emotions and social cues. With Bandit's help, researchers are hoping to teach them the basics of social interaction without overwhelming them with information.
Zeno
Zeno the robot is not only used to help kids with social and emotional cues, it was also designed to help diagnose autism at a younger age. Zeno stands at two feet tall. He can walk and gesture with both hands.
Nicoleta Bugnariu, an associate professor at the UNT Health Science Center and a physical therapist/neuroscientist, comments on motor control when diagnosising children with autism. She says, ?How these children keep their balance, reach for an object and move about a room may be extremely important in diagnosing autism. If we can detect these motor biomarkers and determine the timing of these differences during the developmental process, that would be of great benefit for diagnosis and treatment.?
Nao
Nao is a programmable humanoid robot. Two-thousand of these little guys have been sold in 45 countries. Olivier Joubert, the autism business unit manager for Aldebaran Robotics, is in the photo with Nao.
Aldebaran has partnered with families, therapists, and researchers to "empower children with autism with autonomy, social acceptance, and better lives."
By using facial-recognition skills, CNET reports, "Nao can become attached to people who help it learn, just like a human infant. When confronted with an unfamiliar situation, or when neglected by its human caregiver, Nao can become agitated. It will remember past experiences it interprets as positive or negative."
Anjana Bhat, an assistant professor of kinesiology in the Neag School of Education, explains that "children with ASD typically feel more comfortable with robots than with other people initially, because robot interactions are simpler and more predictable and the children are in control of the social interaction. Robots also are fully-embodied beings that encourage children to engage in whole body interactions. Children with ASD typically enjoy playing with them and respond with imitative behavior often delayed during interactions with other people."
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