This part of the website is to brainstorm a collective vision for the future and discuss potential solutions for Autism.
As a first part of this series, let us explore the potential of robotics in Autism.
When robots come to mind, you are probably thinking large, heavy duty robots moving machinery or saving (or attacking) the world as we see in movies. Let me first show you an example of what type of robotics we are thinking of — humanoid robots. See, a few examples here with the robots Nao and Pepper with Aldebaran Robotics.
With Nao, there is already research and development in process on how it can be adapted for special education through Ask Nao. The robot Pepper offers new frontiers in Robotics with its “Emotional Engine” and ability to interact with humans [See: Link 1 and Link 2].
Watch this video of Pepper interacting with a human and you can see the possibilities are quite exciting. And this is just one example with Aldebaran Robotics … there are many other innovative players and researchers out there.
Hence, I began to start brainstorming how humanoid robots like the ones you saw could be helpful to my brother and potentially other individuals with Autism. Here is my list to start with and please join in:
- Speech practice coach: programmed to make my brother repeat various sentences on a daily basis to practice relevant vocabulary, similar to the positive statements and daily talking journal
- Personal assistant and scheduler: If programmed to know my brother’s schedule, the robot can remind him when time for a task is almost done and what is next. This can help my brother deal with transitions, which is particularly a challenge for him.
- Daily living assistance: My brother often needs help with basic living skills, e.g., getting clothes to wear, getting his after-school snack etc. The robot could physically assist in getting what is needed for my brother.
- Emotional support: My brother needs acknowledgment and empathy when he is anxious or frustrated. If we get anxious as well, this could further agitate my brother as he is very sensitive to our emotions. The power of a robot is that the robot would remain calm and monotone, hopefully helping my brother move on from his anxiety or anger. The key would be to program how the robot recognizes my brother’s emotions and when he is starting being anxious or frustrated. There are a few common signs when my brother is agitated — specific noises and actions he makes. Perhaps, sensors could be programmed to identify this.
- Joke pal: When he was very young, my brother had a “robot.” Though it looked like a robot, it was driven by an audio cassette with some interactive functionality. My brother loved it – he would smile and laugh to all the jokes of the robot. Given my brother’s sense of humor, there is a great opportunity for a robot to be programmed to tell jokes, especially when my brother is upset.
- Play computer games: An imbedded screen could allow my brother to play games with the robot. Given my brother’s strength in computer skills, he would easily be able to play a game with the robot’s screen. This would also reinforce his interaction skills and help him practice taking turns.
This was an initial list based on what I have learned about my brother. What are your thoughts on these ideas and what are some ideas you have ?
