Robofriend

Researchers from George Washington University built a robot to help autistic children improve their social skills.

19:48 20 April 2016

A new video uploaded online shows an incredible new robot purposely designed to help develop social skills in children with autism. The device, created by researchers from George Washington University, encourages children to engage and play with others by playing football. It is also programmed with the ability to take part in small-scale games with humans.

 

Creator Chung Hyuk Park, an assistant professor of biomedical engineering, said: "Robotics may not be the cure, but it can help them to practice their social skills, to engage in emotional and social activities and to help them gain more confidence in their human interactions."

 

He now hopes to study how children with autism interact with robotics so adjustments can be made to meet their needs. He also hopes to make the robots affordable for all families with autistic children.