Robotic Assistance Research Articles

Expanding Applications and Future of Robotic Microsurgery

Robotic-assisted microsurgery has emerged as a transformative technology, offering enhanced precision for complex procedures across various fields, including lymphatic surgery, breast reconstruction, trauma, and neurosurgery. This paper reviews current advancements, applications, and potential future directions for robotic-assisted microsurgery. In lymphatic surgery, robotic systems such as Symani have improved precision in thoracic duct reconstruction and lymphatic vessel anastomoses, reducing morbidity despite longer surgery times. In breast reconstruction, robotic systems are being used to refine techniques like the miraDIEP approach, minimizing tissue damage and enhancing precision in individualized treatments. Trauma reconstruction, particularly for extremities, has also benefited from robotic assistance, enabling successful sutures in small vessels and nerves. Emerging applications in meningeal lymphatics show potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases through improved drainage. In neurosurgery, robots enhance precision in deep and narrow anatomic spaces, although advancements in specialized instruments are needed for full implementation. Future development of robotic microsurgery systems will focus on improved maneuverability, miniaturization, and integration of tools like augmented reality and haptic feedback. The goal is to combine robotic precision, data storage, and processing with human skills such as judgment and flexibility. Although robots are unlikely to replace surgeons, they are poised to play an increasingly significant role in enhancing surgical outcomes. As the technology evolves, further research and clinical trials are needed to refine robotic systems and validate their expanding applications in clinical practice.

Comparison of robot-assisted versus fluoroscopically guided treatment of atlantoaxial dislocation in combination with high-riding vertebral artery: a preliminary study

BackgroundRobotic-assisted surgery has emerged as an innovative approach widely adopted in the field of orthopedics. However, its application specifically for managing atlantoaxial dislocation with a high-riding vertebral artery (AAD-HVA) remains underreported in the existing literature.ObjectiveTo compare the perioperative outcomes of robotic-assisted (RA) and fluoroscopic-guided free-hand (FH) techniques for atlantoaxial dislocation in combination with a high-riding vertebral artery (AAD-HVA).Study designThis was a retrospective study.SettingThis research was performed at a single department of spine surgery.MethodsData from patients who underwent atlantoaxial internal fixation between July 2018 and January 2022 at our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Among the cases, 14 were performed using free-hand (FH) techniques and 11 utilized robotic-assisted (RA) techniques. Data collected included case notes, imaging records, and follow-up data. The reliability of screw placement was evaluated based on the Gertzbein and Robbins scores, while treatment outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and postoperative complication rate.ResultsBaseline patient characteristics were comparable between the FH and RA groups. The mean blood loss was markedly lower in the RA group (157.3 ± 49.7 ml) compared to the FH group (290.0 ± 110.3 ml) (p = 0.03). Although the average operative time was slightly higher in FH group than in RA group, this disparity did not achieve statistical significance (p = 0.7588). Moreover, the radiation exposure dose was remarkably higher in FH group (32.7 ± 4.4 mGy) than in RA group (23.0 ± 3.2 mGy) (p < 0.0001). The percentage of clinically acceptable screw placement was slightly lower in FH group (87.5%) than in RA group (97.8%), but the observed variance was not statistically meaningful (p = 0.3669). Furthermore, the differences in JOA, VAS, and NDI scores between the FH and RA groups were not statistically significant. Additionally, no obvious differences were found in clinical outcomes or complications related to screw implantation between the two groups.LimitationsThis study has inherent limitations as it was retrospective in nature and conducted at a single center.ConclusionRobotic-assisted surgery for AAD-HVA patients offers a minimally invasive approach, reduced bleeding and lower radiation exposure compared with traditional free-hand surgery.

Technology-Based Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Its prevalence has steadily increased, with the CDC reporting a rise from 1 in 100 children in 2006 to 1 in 44 in the United States by 2021. ASD manifests in a spectrum of symptoms, requiring tailored interventions to address each child's unique needs. Recent advancements in technology have shown promise in aiding children with ASD, particularly through robotics and socially assistive robots (SARs). This systematic review explores the impact of technology-based interventions on children with ASD, assessing their efficacy in enhancing social skills, communication, and behavior regulation. Methodology: This review followed PRISMA guidelines, screening 46,580 articles across databases such as PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PsychInfo. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 254 studies were selected for in-depth review. The review focused on technology-based interventions, including robotics and socially assistive robots, with MeSH terms such as "Technology," "Artificial Intelligence," "Autism Spectrum Disorder," and "ASD." Results: Technology-based interventions, particularly SARs, demonstrated significant improvements in social interaction, emotional regulation, and communication for children with ASD. Robots such as LEGO Mindstorms and "Kaspar" were effective in enhancing eye contact, cooperation, and emotional recognition. However, results varied depending on the type of technology used, study design, and participant characteristics. Conclusion: While technology-based interventions hold promise for children with ASD, further research is needed to standardize intervention protocols, dosage, and long-term outcomes. These tools offer a non-invasive, scalable solution for enhancing social and cognitive skills, but variability in study designs limits definitive conclusions. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Technology, Robotics, Socially Assistive Robots, Communication, Cognitive Skills, Applied Behavioral Analysis

The Role of Robotics in Enhancing Precision and Outcomes in Orthopedic Surgery

The advent of robotics has significantly transformed orthopedic surgery, addressing challenges inherent in traditional manual techniques, such as variability in outcomes and precision limitations. Robotics enables millimeter-level accuracy, minimizes human error, and allows for personalized, minimally invasive procedures. Historical milestones, from the pioneering ROBODOC system in 1992 to advanced platforms like MAKO and ROSA, illustrate the progressive adoption of robotic systems, particularly in joint replacement and spine surgeries. Comparative studies demonstrate enhanced precision and reduced recovery times for robotic-assisted surgeries compared to conventional methods, with quantifiable improvements in alignment accuracy and postoperative outcomes. Key applications include joint arthroplasties, spinal surgeries, and complex trauma cases, where robotic assistance ensures accurate implant positioning, improved functional outcomes, and higher patient satisfaction rates. However, barriers such as cost, access disparities, and the learning curve persist. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and haptic feedback, are anticipated to further enhance robotic precision and broaden accessibility. As robotic systems become integral to orthopedic practice, ongoing advancements promise to elevate surgical standards, offering reliable, patient-specific solutions that improve both procedural consistency and quality of life.

Effects of Controlling Assist Robots to Follow Lumbar Load on Muscle Fatigue

ABSTRACTWe developed an assist robot that changes its assist force in real time according to the lumbar load estimated from the load information on the hand measured using a hand sensor device and the posture information. Furthermore, using the developed assist robot, the effect of the load‐following control on muscle fatigue was verified. The load was set at 6 and 1 kgf, and the amount of muscle activity in the lumbar region was measured using a muscle potential sensor during continuous flexion–extension exercises. The central frequency of the power spectrum was calculated as muscle fatigue, and its time trend was obtained. For comparison, similar experiments were also conducted without an assistive robot and with an existing assistive robot. Consequently, when load‐following control was used, muscle fatigue was reduced compared with existing assist robots in which the assist force was excessive in relation to the load. This shows the importance of load‐following control that is necessary to control the assist force according to the load when the assist robot is worn during work in which the load changes in a complex manner.

MINARO DRS: usability study of a robotic-assisted laminectomy

Abstract Purpose Although the literature shows that robotic assistance can support the surgeon, robotic systems are not widely spread in clinics. They often incorporate large robotic arms adopted from the manufacturing industry, imposing safety hazards when in contact with the patient or surgical staff. We approached this limitation with a modular dual robot consisting of an ultra-lightweight carrier robot for rough prepositioning and small, highly dynamic, application-specific, interchangeable tooling robots. Methods A formative usability study with N = 10 neurosurgeons was conducted using a prototype of a novel tooling robot for laminectomy to evaluate the system’s usability. The participants were asked to perform three experiments using the robotic system: (1) prepositioning with the carrier robot and milling into (2) a block phantom as well as (3) a spine model. Results All neurosurgeons could perform a simulated laminectomy on a spine phantom using the robotic system. On average, they rated the usability of this first prototype already between good and excellent (SUS-Score above 75%). Eight out of the ten participants preferred robotic-assisted milling over manual milling. For prepositioning, the developed haptic guidance showed significantly higher effectiveness and efficiency than visual navigation. Conclusion The proposed dual robot system showed the potential to increase safety in the operating room because of the synergistic hands-on control and the ultra-lightweight design of the carrier robot. The modular design allows for easy adaptation to various surgical procedures. However, improvements are needed in the ergonomics of the tooling robot and the complexity of the virtual fixtures. The cooperative dual robot system can subsequently be tested in a cadaver laboratory and in vivo on animals.

Comparison of robot-assisted, open, and laparoscopic-assisted surgery for cholangiocarcinoma: a network meta-analysis.

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of robot-assisted, laparoscopic-assisted and open surgery in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, and to evaluate the clinical effect of three surgical methods in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma by network Meta-analysis. A systematical retrieval in PubMed and Web of Science was performed for relative literature on the effects of robot-assisted(RA), laparoscopy-assisted(LA), and open surgery(OA) for cholangiocarcinoma in treating cholangiocarcinoma. A literature search updated to September 1st, 2024, was performed. Studies have shown that the length of R0 resection, complication rate, 30-day mortality, Transfusion rate, Lymph Node Metastasis Rate, and hospital stay in RA are superior to LA and open surgery. The relative effectiveness of the three surgical methods in terms of operation time were: open surgery, laparoscope-assisted surgery, and robot-assisted surgery, and there was no significant difference among the three groups. Robot-assisted surgery is safe and feasible in the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma, but more clinical evidence is needed to confirm these findings.

Somatosensory integration in robot-assisted motor restoration post-stroke

Disruption of somatosensorimotor integration (SMI) after stroke is a significant obstacle to achieving precise motor restoration. Integrating somatosensory input into motor relearning to reconstruct SMI is critical during stroke rehabilitation. However, current robotic approaches focus primarily on precise control of repetitive movements and rarely effectively engage and modulate somatosensory responses, which impedes motor rehabilitation that relies on SMI. This article discusses how to effectively regulate somatosensory feedback from target muscles through peripheral and central neuromodulatory stimulations based on quantitatively measured somatosensory responses in real time during robot-assisted rehabilitation after stroke. Further development of standardized recording protocols and diagnostic databases of quantitative neuroimaging features in response to post-stroke somatosensory stimulations for real-time precise detection, and optimized combinations of peripheral somatosensory stimulations with robot assistance and central nervous neuromodulation are needed to enhance the recruitment of targeted ascending neuromuscular pathways in robot-assisted training, aiming to achieve precise muscle control and integrated somatosensorimotor functions, thereby improving long-term neurorehabilitation after stroke.

The Conversion of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty to Total Knee Arthroplasty with Non-CT-Based Robotic Assistance: A Novel Surgical Technique and Case Series.

Robotic-assisted devices help provide precise component positioning in conversion of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A few studies offer surgical techniques for computed tomography (CT) based robotic-assisted conversion of UKA to TKA; however, no studies to date detail this procedure utilizing a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device. This article introduces a novel technique employing a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device (ROSA Knee System, Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) for converting UKA to TKA with a focus on its efficacy in gap balancing. We present three patients (ages 46-66 years) who were evaluated for conversion of UKA to TKA for aseptic loosening, stress fracture, and progressive osteoarthritis. Each patient underwent robotic-assisted conversion to TKA. Postoperative assessments at 6 months revealed improved pain, function, and radiographic stability. Preoperative planning included biplanar long leg radiographs to determine the anatomic and mechanical axis of the leg. After arthrotomy with a standard medial parapatellar approach, infrared reflectors were pinned into the femur and tibia, followed by topographical mapping of the knee with the UKA in situ. The intraoperative software was utilized to evaluate flexion and extension balancing and plan bony resections. Then, the robotic arm guided placement of the femoral and tibial guide pins and the UKA components were removed. After bony resection of the distal femur and proximal tibia, the intraoperative software was used to reassess the extension gap, and plan posterior condylar resection to have the flexion gap match the extension gap. The use of a non-CT-based robotic-assisted device in conversion of UKA to TKA is a novel technique and a good option for surgeons familiar with robotic-assisted arthroplasty, resulting in excellent outcomes at 6 months.

ORGANA: A robotic assistant for automated chemistry experimentation and characterization

ORGANA: A robotic assistant for automated chemistry experimentation and characterization

Robotic assistants for the rehabilitation of communication disorders in children: A proposal based on MTO manufacturing for developing countries

Language is fundamental to human communication, allowing individuals to express and exchange ideas, thoughts, and emotions. In early childhood, some children experience communication disorders that impede their ability to articulate words correctly, posing significant challenges to their learning and development. This issue is exacerbated in developing countries, where limited resources and a lack of technological tools hinder access to effective speech therapy. Traditional speech therapy remains vital, but the latest technological advancements have introduced robotic assistants to enhance therapy for communication disorders. Despite their potential, these technologies are often inaccessible in developing regions due to high production costs and a lack of sustainable manufacturing models. For these reasons, this paper presents “FONA,” a robotic assistant that employs rule-based expert systems to provide tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli. FONA supports children aged 3 to 6 in speech therapy by delivering exercises such as syllable production, word formation, and pictographic storytelling of various phonemes. Notably, FONA was successfully tested on children with cochlear implants, reducing the number of sessions required to produce isolated phonemes. The paper also introduces an innovative analysis of the Make To Order (MTO) manufacturing system for producing FONA in developing countries. This analysis explores two key perspectives: collaborative networks and entrepreneurship, offering a sustainable production model. In a pilot experiment, FONA significantly improved children’s attention spans, increasing the period by 17 min. Furthermore, the economic analysis demonstrates that producing FONA through collaborative networks can significantly reduce costs, making it more accessible to institutions in developing countries. The findings suggest that the project is viable for a five-year period, providing a sustainable and effective solution for addressing communication disorders in children.

Integrating subject-specific workspace constraint and performance-based control strategy in robot-assisted rehabilitation

IntroductionThe robot-assistive technique has been widely developed in the field of neurorehabilitation for enhancement of neuroplasticity, muscle activity, and training positivity. To improve the reliability and feasibility in this patient–robot interactive context, motion constraint methods and adaptive assistance strategies have been developed to guarantee the movement safety and promote the training effectiveness based on the user’s movement information. Unfortunately, few works focus on customizing quantitative and appropriate workspace for each subject in passive/active training mode, and how to provide the precise assistance by considering movement constraints to improve human active participation should be further delved as well.MethodsThis study proposes an integrated framework for robot-assisted upper-limb training. A human kinematic upper-limb model is built to achieve a quantitative human–robot interactive workspace, and an iterative learning-based repulsive force field is developed to balance the compliant degrees of movement freedom and constraint. On this basis, a radial basis function neural network (RBFNN)-based control structure is further explored to obtain appropriate robotic assistance. The proposed strategy was preliminarily validated for bilateral upper-limb training with an end-effector-based robotic system.ResultsExperiments on healthy subjects are enrolled to validate the safety and feasibility of the proposed framework. The results show that the framework is capable of providing personalized movement workspace to guarantee safe and natural motion, and the RBFNN-based control structure can rapidly converge to the appropriate robotic assistance for individuals to efficiently complete various training tasks.DiscussionThe integrated framework has the potential to improve outcomes in personalized movement constraint and optimized robotic assistance. Future studies are necessary to involve clinical application with a larger sample size of patients.

Does robotic surgical assistant (ROSA) functionally aligned TKA lead to higher satisfaction than conventional mechanically aligned TKA: A propensity-matched pair analysis

ObjectivesTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the established treatment for severe knee osteoarthritis, with robotic-assisted TKA (rTKA) proposed to enhance surgical precision and potentially improve outcomes. This study investigates whether functionally-aligned rTKA using the ROSA Knee System results in superior functional outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to conventional mechanically aligned TKA (mTKA). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective, propensity-score matched cohort study including 154 patients (46 rTKA, 108 mTKA) who underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon from October 2020 to October 2023. Functionally-aligned (FA) rTKA was performed using the ROSA Knee System. Patients were assessed using the Short-Form 36 (SF36), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), and Oxford Knee Score (OKS) preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Immediate postoperative outcomes such as pain at rest and movement, ambulation distance, and range of motion were measured. Statistical analysis evaluated results at a 95 % confidence interval, with significance at P < 0.05. ResultsNo significant differences were observed in immediate postoperative pain at rest (P = 0.988), pain during movement (P = 0.634), ambulation distance (P = 0.243), and range of motion (P = 0.752) between the groups. At 6 months, there were no significant differences between rTKA and mTKA in achieving the minimal clinically important difference for SF36 (P = 0.996), KSKS (P = 0.150), KSFS (P = 0.091), and OKS (P = 0.949). No significant differences were noted for satisfaction levels (P = 0.315) and fulfilled expectations (P = 0.557) between both groups. ConclusionsAt 6 months postoperatively, FA rTKA demonstrated equivalent outcomes and satisfaction levels compared to mTKA. Future research should focus on examining longer-term follow-up outcomes, quantifying gap balance in MA mTKA to allow direct comparison with rTKA and studying alternative personalised alignment rTKA strategies to enhance patient outcomes.

A programmable platform for probing cell migration and proliferation.

The advent of advanced robotic platforms and workflow automation tools has revolutionized the landscape of biological research, offering unprecedented levels of precision, reproducibility, and versatility in experimental design. In this work, we present an automated and modular workflow for exploring cell behavior in two-dimensional culture systems. By integrating the BioAssemblyBot® (BAB) robotic platform and the BioApps™ workflow automater with live-cell fluorescence microscopy, our workflow facilitates execution and analysis of in vitro migration and proliferation assays. Robotic assistance and automation allow for the precise and reproducible creation of highly customizable cell-free zones (CFZs), or wounds, in cell monolayers and "hands-free," schedulable integration with real-time monitoring systems for cellular dynamics. CFZs are designed as computer-aided design models and recreated in confluent cell layers by the BAB 3D-Bioprinting tool. The dynamics of migration and proliferation are evaluated in individual cells using live-cell fluorescence microscopy and an in-house pipeline for image processing and single-cell tracking. Our robotics-assisted approach outperforms manual scratch assays with enhanced reproducibility, adaptability, and precision. The incorporation of automation further facilitates increased flexibility in wound geometry and allows for many experimental conditions to be analyzed in parallel. Unlike traditional cell migration assays, our workflow offers an adjustable platform that can be tailored to a wide range of applications with high-throughput capability. The key features of this system, including its scalability, versatility, and the ability to maintain a high degree of experimental control, position it as a valuable tool for researchers across various disciplines.

Editorial: Assistive and service robots for health and home applications (RH3 - Robot Helpers in Health and Home)

Editorial: Assistive and service robots for health and home applications (RH3 - Robot Helpers in Health and Home)

Preclinical evaluation of a surgical assistant robot for use in minimally invasive abdominal surgeries

Preclinical evaluation of a surgical assistant robot for use in minimally invasive abdominal surgeries

Why robot embodiment matters: questions of disability, race and intersectionality in the design of social robots.

A growing minority of those with disabilities are people of color (POC), with, for example, autism diagnosis rates now higher for children of color than for white children in the USA. This trend underscores the need for assistive technologies, especially socially assistive robots, to be designed with intersectional users in mind. Outside of Japan, most robots are designed with white synthetic skin and able-bodied features, failing to reflect the diverse users they are meant to assist. This paper explores the concept of the "engineering imaginary," the historical and cultural influences that shape these designs, and which tend to limit robot embodiment to white, able-bodied forms. Drawing on work from scholars like Lucy Suchman, Jennifer Rhee, Neda Atanasoski and Kalindi Vora, the paper critiques this engineering bias. A key historical moment in the production of the engineered imaginary of artificial humans is provided by Ovid's myth of Pygmalion and its influence on representations across literature, film, and then robotics. Furthermore, the physicality of the robot, and its role in the production of nonverbal communication (NVC) for more inclusive interaction with humans is explored, seeing these as steps toward what some roboticists are calling Artificial Empathy (AE). Through case studies like Bestic, Bina48, and HuggieBot 3.0, the paper explores what I call the poverty of the engineering imaginary, how current robotics design fails to properly address issues of race, gender, and disability. Ultimately, the paper argues for more inclusive robot designs that accommodate diverse bodies and social dynamics, questioning the pervasive norm of white, able-bodied robotic embodiment.

Enabling Social Robots to Perceive and Join Socially Interacting Groups Using F-formation: A Comprehensive Overview

Social robots in our daily surroundings, like personal guides, waiter robots, home helpers, assistive robots, and telepresence/teleoperation robots, are increasing day by day. Their usability and acceptability largely depend on their explicit and implicit interaction capability with fellow human beings. As a result, social behavior is one of the most sought-after qualities that a robot can possess. However, there is no specific aspect and/or feature that defines socially acceptable behavior, and it largely depends on the situation, application, and society. In this article, we investigate one such social behavior for collocated robots. Imagine a group of people is interacting with each other, and we want to join the group. We as human beings do it in a socially acceptable manner, i.e., within the group, we do position ourselves in such a way that we can participate in the group activity without disturbing/obstructing anybody. To possess such a quality, first, a robot needs to determine the formation of the group and then determine a position for itself, which we humans do implicitly. There are many theories which study group formations and proxemics; one such theory is f-formation which could be utilized for this purpose. As the types of formations can be very diverse, detecting the social groups is not a trivial task. In this article, we provide a comprehensive survey of the existing work on social interaction and group detection using f-formation for robotics and other applications. We also put forward a novel holistic survey framework combining some of the possibly more important concerns and modules relevant to this problem. We define taxonomies based on methods, camera views, datasets, detection capabilities and scale, evaluation approaches, and application areas. We discuss certain open challenges and limitations in the current literature along with possible future research directions based on this framework. In particular, we discuss the existing methods/techniques and their relative merits and demerits, applications, and provide a set of unsolved but relevant problems in this domain. The official website for this work is available at: https://github.com/HrishavBakulBarua/Social-Robots-F-formation

Inter- and intra-rater reliability of cognitive assessment conducted by assistive robot for older adults living in the community: a preliminary study.

The purpose of this study was to reveal inter- and intra-rater reliability of the detailed evaluation of cognitive function by assistive robot for older adults. We investigated the inter-rater and test-retest reliability. Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination was conducted twice for each participant using an assistive robot and the examiner respectively (Experiment 1). The order of these two tests was randomly selected and the interval between them was 1 week. In Experiment 2, we investigated the test-retest reliability of the first robot test and this additional robot test was conducted approximately 6 weeks after Experiment 1. Fifty-one (13 men and 38 women, mean age: 80.5 ± 5.6 years) participants went through Experiment 1 and 29 of those (eight men and 21 women, mean age: 80.4 ± 4.8 years) completed Experiment 2. In Experiment 1, the interclass coefficient (ICC) in orientation was in the high range and its Cronbach's α was 0.919, rated as excellent internal consistency. On the other hand, other items did not show positive results. In Experiment 2, the ICCs in orientation, attention, and repetition were in the adequate range, while other items showed marginal or low range. Orientation was supposed to be utilised for figuring out initial symptoms of dementia. In the future, as robot functions become more high-tech, a partner robot might be able to measure the symptoms and severity of dementia.

Improving Diabetes Education and Metabolic Control in Children Using Social Robots: A Randomized Trial

Robot engagement in healthcare has the potential to alleviate medical personnel workload while improving efficiency in managing various health conditions. This study evaluates the impact of robot-assisted education on knowledge acquisition and metabolic control in children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) compared to traditional education methods. A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the pediatric diabetes clinic of the University of Tabuk Medical Center, Saudi Arabia. Thirty children aged 5–15 years with T1DM were randomly divided into two groups: the robot education (intervention) group and the control education group. Both groups participated in six weekly one-hour educational sessions, with the intervention group interacting with a Pepper robot assistant and the control group receiving education from a qualified diabetes educator nurse. Knowledge was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire before and after the intervention, while metabolic control was evaluated through weekly mean home blood glucose measurements and HbA1c levels before and three months post intervention. The intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in knowledge scores compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Weekly mean blood glucose levels were consistently lower in the intervention group throughout the study period (p &lt; 0.05 for all samples). Both groups showed a reduction in HbA1c levels after three months, with the intervention group exhibiting a greater mean decrease. The engagement of the Pepper robot in T1DM education for children resulted in improved knowledge acquisition and better metabolic control compared to traditional education methods. This approach may establish a foundation for “learning by interacting with robots” in long-term diabetes management. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the long-term benefits of robot-assisted education in pediatric diabetes care.