European robots assist children in forming relationships

We've seen robots that help humans diagnose autism, but a team of researchers at the University of Hertfordshire have developed a number of robots and humanoids that can help autistic children cope and form relationships. The €3.22 million ($4.33 million) Interactive Robotic Social Mediators as Companions (IROMEC) project is being funded by the European Sixth Framework, and seeks to "investigate the use of robotic toys to enable children with disabilities to develop social skills." A number of creations have been concocted in order to help youngsters with learning disabilities interact more normally, and KASPAR (Kinesics and Synchronisation in Personal Assistant Robotics) has emerged as the latest android to come to the rescue. The team isn't satisfied just yet, however, as it purportedly plans to further "investigate how robotic toys can become social mediators" within the next three years.

[Via Physorg]

[Paul @ Jun 1st 2007 1:27AM]

OMG RUN! get out of there before the robot kills you kid!!!!!!

[Darkzero63 @ Jun 1st 2007 2:56AM]

Thats just...creepy.

[Eddie @ Jun 1st 2007 3:11AM]

AAhhhh run its chucky 2.0!!!!! lol

[JK @ Jun 1st 2007 4:50AM]

There is nothing funny about Autism. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder. > 1 in 150 kids are now diagnosed within the Austism spectrum. I hope this research project helps this epidemic.

[rj @ Jun 1st 2007 9:43AM]

i totally agree with you. nice to see toy manufacturers reaching out to other children. i also find it amusing how many of you are mocking the efforts of this toy. it's amazing how european toys focus around and teach things like social interaction and mind exercise whereas american toys teach about weaponry and mayhem. gee whiz.. i just can't understand why there are so many school shooting down there.

[ivy @ Jun 1st 2007 4:59AM]

Is it a sign of increase in number of lazy or irresponsible parents?

what the hell is it?...

well,i don't mind if it is robot's son, not yours.

[trev @ Jun 1st 2007 6:10AM]

The robot is deliberatley designed to look like that because autistic kids have alot of trouble recognising and interpreting all the nuances of human expressions. After watching a spot on the news about this project it seems that this robot is alot easier for autistic kids to relate to and interact with, it looks to be a good stepping stone to teach them how to interact with other people.

[Neebs @ Jun 1st 2007 6:14AM]

Uncanny valley ftl.

[abigsmurf @ Jun 1st 2007 6:25AM]

This was on the news a few days ago. It's designed for autistic children who have difficulty in talking face to face to people. By copying the robot's actions they develop basic social skills that make them more able to communicate with people.

The robot is also designed not to be realistic as autistic children can have trouble reading facial expressions so it's been made deliberately un-lifelike

[Rynth @ Jun 1st 2007 7:21AM]

Moments before Chucky 2.0 pulled out a semi auto and shot the rather confused little Johnny for getting the question wrong, again.

Robots...

[poreilly @ Jun 1st 2007 11:25AM]

Good lord, why did that child tear off the poor robot's legs???
He was only trying to help.

"Come with me if you want to learn."

[EDomain @ Jun 1st 2007 11:40AM]

Billy with his IROMEC robot teaching him at home.....

"That's right Billy, this is how to burn the house dow-"

door opens, mom comes in

"My name is Robo-John, and I love Billy. Smile Billy!"

Mom leaves room

"Now, Billy, get your matches out and do my bidding. Mwahahahahahahahahaha"

[Rodrigo @ Jun 1st 2007 1:54PM]

please...turn off your xbox360/ps3 and go out ! there are friends out there...yeah..the real ones!

[Shah Kanaw @ Jun 1st 2007 4:42PM]

What's the point of teaching autistic kids to develop relationships wiuth robots? Aren't they already kind of like robots like that kid in "AI"?