Otisma: an integrated application and humanoid robot as an educational tool for children with autism

Abstract

Autistic children have difficulty communicating wants, needs, and thoughts. In cases of low functioning autism, an individual can have serious speech and language disabilities. In response to the need of parents and therapists dealing with autistic children, social robots have been developed and incorporated into assisting children with autism. Research studies have proved the possibility of improving autistic children’s lives using social robots. However, not any social robot can successfully fulfil this task, since autistic children are sensitive to certain behaviours, shapes, and colours. The proposed integrated application and humanoid robot, Otisma has been designed and developed after an intensive literature research. Otisma can be used as an educational and communicational tool with autistic children. Otisma aids educators by using applied behaviour analysis (ABA) which is a scientifically validated method that helps autistic children work through areas of severe developmental delay, like language and nonverbal communication. Different lessons can be explored using an application that is controlled by the therapist. Otisma is an efficient educational tool that facilitates the learning process to maximise social skills for children with autism. Otisma is portable, affordable, user friendly, and can be equally used by therapists in clinics or parents at home.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• therapy
• social robots
• discrete teaching training

Acknowledgement

The authors extend their thanks and gratitude to Kuwait Centre for Autism, Soor Centre for Professional Therapy & Assessment, Applied Behaviour Centre of Kuwait (ABC), and to Mr. Ali Maatoq, therapist and treatment analyst behaviour at Autism Partnership in Kuwait.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).