Humanoid Robot NAO as HRI Mediator to Teach Emotions using Game-centered Approach for Children with Autism

This short report presents the latest development in our robot-based intervention program for children with autism. Following the outcome from our first pilot study; the aim of this current experiment is to explore the application of NAO robot to engage with a child and further teach about emotions through a game-centered and song-based approach. The children participating in this study has been diagnosed with mild autism. Initial exposure to the robot shows that the NAO robot; a humanoid with moderate likelihood to actual human does have potential to teach children with autism about head and body postures that are associated with certain feelings or emotions. Overall observation suggests the positive utilization of robots, specifically the humanoid robot NAO in the rehabilitation of autistic children.

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