Robot-assisted learning for communication-care in autism intervention

Abstract

Robot-based intervention for children with autism is an evolving research niche in human-robot interaction (HRI). Recent studies have covered the role of robots in clinical and experimental setting but not much on integrating them in educational setting. Our previous work had shown that interaction with a robot poses no adverse effects and that the robot's specific interaction scenarios were associated with less autistic behavior. Extending this impact on school-going children, interactions that are in-tune with special education lessons are needed. This study aims to propose the integration of a robot into current learning environment for children with special needs, specifically autism. Six interaction scenarios had been designed based on the existing syllabus to teach communication skills, using the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) technique as the framework. Development of the robotic experience for learning also covers the required set-up involving participation from teachers. The actual research conduct involving school children, teachers and robot shall take place in the next phase.