Development of social assistive robot for therapy with children with autism spectrum disorder : castor
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Casas Bocanegra, Diego Fernando | 2022
The World Health Organization reports that 1 in 160 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a neuroatypical disorder characterized by social behavior difficulties, lack of attention, and language issues. Early diagnosis and therapy can lead to better long-term results for the individual. Recently, robots have been used in therapy to improve communication, recognition, and emotional skills. However, not all robots are suitable for this type of therapy due to their inability to physically interact with users. This study presents a proposal for a novel social robot designed specifically for children with ASD, using participatory design methodologies with caregivers, medical staff, and parents. The robot's design was evaluated through an ergonomic study and aesthetic design process tested with 21 children with ASD. The robot is equipped with bio-inspired actuators to maximize physical interaction, ensuring it can withstand long therapy sessions. This will encourage long-term studies with more significant results.
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