Humanoid Robots Double as Therapists, Playmates for Autistic Kids

by Alex A. Kecskes

Today, one in 110 children are diagnosed with autism. Regrettably, there simply aren't enough therapists to address their needs. So researchers at the University of Southern California are developing humanoid therapists to help these underserved children connect more socially with people.

The child-friendly humanoid robot—known as Bandit—doubles as therapist and playmate to kids with autism. Bandit can be programmed to perform simple facial expressions and movements. Plans are to empower the robot to make complex decisions in response to a child’s behavior. The goal is to draw socially detached kids into simple games, like Simon Says and, ultimately, to enable autistic children to engage in social activities with people.

Bandit sports two-wheels for mobility, large eyes to entice children, and is roughly the size of a child. Infrared sensors and cameras help guide Bandit's movements. Should a child back away, Bandit knows to stop moving and use a “come-here” gesture.

Researchers insist that Bandit is simply a "catalyst for social interaction.” Experiments with 15 autistic children, most between five and nine years old, revealed that the interactions kids had with Bandit averaged about five minutes. While these episodes aren't long enough to produce permanent behavioral changes, many children became more sociable, and more vocal in the presence of Bandit. This is supported by increasing evidence that autistic kids respond more naturally to machines than they do to people. Autism experts believe that robots, computers and electronic gadgets appeal to these children because, unlike people, the devices exhibit predictable behaviors.

For an added perspective, check out the video, Bandit

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