A robot with a human touch for children with autism

Meet Kaspar, a goggle-eyed, child-sized robot, created by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire. The humanoid robot is programmed to help autistic children bridge the gap with other children, family members and teachers.

It is most beneficial for children between the age group of five to ten, as according to research, early intervention increases the likelihood of improvement in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

Kaspar, through realistic and simplified human-like features aims to teach children basic human communication and emotions, socially acceptable physical interaction and personal hygiene. Through a collection of skin sensors placed on various parts of its body - including its cheeks, arms, palms, torso, and feet — Kaspar can respond to touch, play games with children and also encourage certain physical behaviours, while being unsupportive of the inappropriate ones. For instance, when tickled, Kaspar will laugh responding cheerfully. But when pinched, with appropriate body language and speech it will tell the child that it hurts. Kaspar’s movements are controlled by an adult with the help of a remote. 

He can tell children to follow him when he does an action, boost their confidence by asking them to sing or play the drum with him, play games with them to help children learn social interaction and teach them personal hygiene by showing them how to brush their teeth and to eat with a spoon.