SBIR Phase I: The Use of Gestural Interface and Robotics Technology to Facilitate Language Development

这个小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第一阶段项目考察了使用手势界面技术和互动机器人技术来促进严重和/或多发性残疾儿童接受和表达语言发展的可行性。该技术由AnthroTronix公司开发，使用儿童友好型机器人，通过各种接口控制，以适应个人需求，而不受身体限制。机器人模仿动作，讲述孩子的书面或口头故事，为学习提供支持和动力。言语和语言障碍影响了10%的学童，包括大多数严重残疾儿童，严重影响了阅读、写作和交流能力。目的是检查这项技术的适用性(A)适用于各种残疾、年龄和干预措施，以促进言语、语言、阅读和写作技能，以及(B)治疗师和教师的易用性。方法将包括定性数据和对3-5名在K-5公立学校就读的代表一系列残疾、文化背景和年龄的儿童进行的事后测试。结果将使Beta原型设计能够具体说明残疾儿童的一系列应用程序，并将确定在下一阶段研究中要测试的具体干预措施。该项目的完成将使硬件和软件得以完善，以针对具体的干预措施，促进一系列残疾儿童的语言素养。这项技术将以包装形式销售，其中包括一张CD-ROM和教学手册，供从事残疾儿童工作的教师和治疗师使用。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project examines the feasibility of using gestural interface technology and interactive robotics to facilitate receptive and expressive language development of children with severe and/or multiple disabilities. Developed by AnthroTronix, Inc., the technology uses a child friendly robot controlled by various interfaces adapted to individual needs, regardless of physical limitations. The robot imitates movements and tells the child's written or spoken stories, providing reinforcements and motivation for learning. Speech and language impairments, affecting 10% of school children, including most children with severe disabilities, significantly impact abilities to read, write and communicate. Objectives are to examine the technology's (a) applicability across a range of disabilities, ages, and interventions in the promotion of speech, language, reading, and writing skills, and (b) ease of use by therapists and teachers. Methods will include qualitative data and pre-post tests with 3-5 children representing a range of disabilities, cultural backgrounds, and ages who attend a K-5 public school. Results will enable Beta Prototype design specifying a range of applications for children with disabilities and will determine specific interventions to be tested in the next phase of the research.Completion of the project will enable the refinement of the hardware and software to target specified interventions that promote language literacy across a range of children with disabilities. The technology will be marketed in a package that includes a CD-ROM and instructional manual to teachers and therapists working with children with disabilities.