Educational tool based onsocially assistive robots to improve social abilities and social interaction with kids with autism spectrum disorder

• Grant number: 16/15332-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: August 01, 2017
• End date: July 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: José Pacheco de Almeida Prado
• Grantee: José Pacheco de Almeida Prado
• Company: PNCA Indústria, Comércio de Equipamentos Robóticos e Eletrônicos Ltda
• City: São Carlos
• Associated researchers: Maria Cláudia Brito

Abstract

The Autism Spectrum Disorders are characterized by disorders in the areas of social interaction and communication and the presence of behaviors and restricted interests, stereotyped and repetitive. These disorders affect thousands of children and young people of school age. Several therapeutic approaches have been tried over the years. Among the latest and most effective approaches is the use of assistive technologies to stimulate and promote social interaction between people with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their teachers and therapists. Several researchers have shown that among the assistive technology, robotics has excelled with an effective tool in helping these professionals. This project aims to propose and assess the technical feasibility of developing an educational platform based on an assistive robot and Social to assist in the educational process and the treatment of children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders, aiming to stimulate social empowered and promote social interaction of these children and youth with peers, teachers, parents and caregivers. (AU)