Educational Robots, Emotion Recognition and ASD: New Horizon in Special Education

Educational Robots, Emotion Recognition and ASD: New Horizon in Special Education

1 March 2024 | Fabrizio Schiavo, Lucia Campitiello, Michele Domenico Todino, Pio Alfredo Di Tore
The article explores the potential of educational robotics, particularly social robots, in enhancing learning and social skills for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). It begins by discussing the role of technology in education and the benefits of educational robotics, such as increased student engagement and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The authors conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the current state of knowledge in this field, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using robotics in education, the impact on skill development, and the effects on children with ASD. The article then delves into the specific application of social robots in emotion recognition and social skill development. Social robots, equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, can interact naturally with humans, recognizing and responding to emotional cues. Studies have shown that these robots can help children with ASD improve their social communication, imitation, and attention skills. The article highlights the importance of personalized and individualized interventions, emphasizing that social robots should be used alongside traditional therapies and under the guidance of educators and therapists. The Emorobot Project, a practical implementation of educational robotics, is presented as a case study. This project aims to develop an open-source social robot designed to foster social inclusion among children with ASD. The robot is designed to engage children through various sensory channels, including sight, hearing, and touch, and to promote social behaviors such as eye contact and joint attention. The Emorobot is equipped with advanced software, EmoTracker, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize emotions and adjust interactions accordingly. The article concludes by emphasizing the potential of educational robotics to create inclusive educational settings and improve the quality of life for children with ASD. It underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates technology with traditional therapies to maximize the benefits of educational robotics.The article explores the potential of educational robotics, particularly social robots, in enhancing learning and social skills for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). It begins by discussing the role of technology in education and the benefits of educational robotics, such as increased student engagement and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The authors conduct a systematic literature review to analyze the current state of knowledge in this field, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of using robotics in education, the impact on skill development, and the effects on children with ASD. The article then delves into the specific application of social robots in emotion recognition and social skill development. Social robots, equipped with advanced sensors and artificial intelligence, can interact naturally with humans, recognizing and responding to emotional cues. Studies have shown that these robots can help children with ASD improve their social communication, imitation, and attention skills. The article highlights the importance of personalized and individualized interventions, emphasizing that social robots should be used alongside traditional therapies and under the guidance of educators and therapists. The Emorobot Project, a practical implementation of educational robotics, is presented as a case study. This project aims to develop an open-source social robot designed to foster social inclusion among children with ASD. The robot is designed to engage children through various sensory channels, including sight, hearing, and touch, and to promote social behaviors such as eye contact and joint attention. The Emorobot is equipped with advanced software, EmoTracker, which uses artificial intelligence to recognize emotions and adjust interactions accordingly. The article concludes by emphasizing the potential of educational robotics to create inclusive educational settings and improve the quality of life for children with ASD. It underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates technology with traditional therapies to maximize the benefits of educational robotics.
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