Children with autism have unique social and emotional development needs that traditional toys may not always address. Robot companions designed specifically for children with autism can help fill this gap. In this blog post, we will compare the most popular robot companions available for children with autism and how they can help with social and emotional development.
VEX Robotics 123
The VEX Robotics 123 is a robot companion that uses an app to provide a fun and interactive way for children with autism to learn about coding and engineering. This companion features built-in sensors and motor modules, which children can use to create custom designs and movements. Research has shown that VEX 123 can help with cognitive, social, and emotional development in children with autism.
Leka
Leka is a robotic toy designed to engage children with autism in play and promote social and emotional development. It has four sensors that allow it to sense touch, proximity, orientation, and sound. It uses light and sound cues to communicate with children, and can be used for a range of activities, such as collaborative games, sensory stimulation, and skills development.
Miko 2
Miko 2 is an AI-powered robot companion that uses Natural Language Processing (NLP) to learn and interact with children with autism. Among its features are the ability to answer questions, play educational games, and express emotions through gestures and expressions. Research has shown that Miko 2 significantly improves social and speech development in children with autism.
KIBO
KIBO is a robot companion designed to teach coding and engineering principles to children with autism. It uses a screen-free approach, which means that it does not require any additional devices or screens to function. KIBO can be used to build custom designs and movements, which can help children with autism learn new skills and develop their cognitive, social, and emotional abilities.
References
- VEX Robotics. (2021). VEX 123. Retrieved from https://www.vexrobotics.com/123.html
- Leka. (2021). Leka. Retrieved from https://leka.io/en/
- Miko. (2021). Miko 2. Retrieved from https://miko.ai/miko-2/
- KinderLab Robotics. (2021). KIBO. Retrieved from https://kinderlabrobotics.com/kibo/