‘Endearing’ robot helps children with autism
USC’s Robotics Research Lab has begun working toward a lofty goal: to help children suffering from autism-spectrum disorders interact more easily with other people.
Its method? The RRL is using robots to simulate human actions and allow the children to get used to normal interaction with other beings.
The first incarnation of Bandit, a child-sized, cartoonish robot, was created about four years ago with the intention of acting as a human stand-in for children who are easily overwhelmed by other people.
The 2011 Bandit serves the same purpose, but now has an appealing face with movable eyebrows and mouth, as well as camera eyes that allow him to watch and record his playmates. The idea behind the robot was to create a machine that looked neither too robotic nor too human, so that autistic children would feel comfortable interacting with it.
The most advanced version of Bandit is capable of many things: it can mimic motions, lead a game of Simon Says, blow bubbles, move his eyebrows and mouth, and sense whether children are moving towards or away from him.
Maja Mataric, co-director of the RRL at USC, told the Los Angeles Times, “Robots are simpler than people. We’re trying to create something that’s endearing.”
Bandit allows children to make emotional connections with something other than an inanimate object, and serves as a stepping-stone to being comfortable with human emotions and social cues. The system runs automatically, meaning it “learns” from the actions of children and reacts appropriately.
Several small studies have looked at the effectiveness of Bandit with autism spectrum disorder patients, though Mataric laments the lack of willing children and families.
However, the studies that have been performed have left the RRL with hopeful results. Bandit encourages children to play with others, teaching important concepts like sharing and play initiation.
The future of Bandit hinges mainly on whether or not RRL can secure the resources necessary for large-scale clinical trials. Mataric hopes to someday market a home version of the robot, so families and children can interact with Bandit on their own time. However, the advancement of the studies must come first, which poses significant difficulties for the relatively small laboratory.
The robot is not without difficulties, as for some children the therapy is a hindrance more than a help. Some kids become possessive of the robot, while others are disinterested or afraid of it. Hopefully, the laboratory will raise the necessary funds and be able to market Bandit on a larger scale, to better serve autistic children across the country.