Humans are developing robots for an easier life - but are we heading for a mechanical age, are we inapt to execute our own obligations that we are falling to robots? Perhaps yes, but robots have become a prerequisite in disguise.
Robots of late have developed as human mates, thereby making our lives cushy. Robots have facilitated humans in numerous ways - and helping medics diagnose autism has been one of them.
To move a step forward, Dr. Robins leading a team of researchers from the University of Hertfordshire is developing a humanoid robot that will help autistic children learn social skills and form relationships - a vision that hopes robots will help autistic children increase their social skills.
KASPAR (Kinesics and Synchronisation in Personal Assistant Robotics) is how the newest $4.33 million (autistic) companion that emulates human facial expressions is better known. KASPAR works with the young ones - interacting with them and helping them overcome their learning disability.
Who is KASPAR?
A robot with a face made of silicon-rubber stationed on an aluminum frame, two eyes, a camera and a mouth that can open and smile - developed as part of the pan-European IROMEC (Interactive Robotic Social Mediators as Companions) project. The robot is projected certainty by October 2009 and will be a part of the European schools, under trial hence.
Human’s express vivid expressions that are just too much for an autistic child to comprehend - KASPAR though will express emotions consistently and with least complexity.
Why is KASPAR different?
Several ways have been exercised to help youngsters (autistic patients) that lack the basic learning ability develop ways through which they can interact more normally but none have been up there - KASPAR is beyond conventionalism and is an improvisation upon them.
If well trained with quality trainers, autistic children often respond to human efforts but the process can be hectic with limitations to creativity but these weaknesses do not affect robots.
Connecting with what’s learnt and expressing it with the society isn’t a possibility with the autistic children coz processing emotions - a major disability - is the biggest hindrance in their social development, which KASPAR can minimize being a 24×7 facilitator.
A thought of a life long companion for an autistic child who remains aloof of the outside world because of staticness in the environment around him - that changes but not for him - will surely help improve the quality of life of an autistic child.
Yes, robots will be ’special needs children’ educators in sometime - but will the fortunate lot too try to benefit from them?
[Image Credit: Kaspar]
[Source: Wired]
