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

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第一阶段项目探讨了使用手势界面技术和交互式机器人技术的可行性，以促进严重和/或多重残疾儿童的接受性和表达性语言发展。 由AnthroTronix，Inc.开发，该技术使用了一种儿童友好型机器人，该机器人由适合于个人需求的各种接口控制，而不考虑物理限制。 机器人模仿动作，告诉孩子的书面或口头故事，为学习提供强化和动力。 言语和语言障碍影响到10%的在校儿童，包括大多数严重残疾儿童，严重影响阅读、写作和交流能力。 目标是检查该技术的（a）在一系列残疾，年龄和促进言语，语言，阅读和写作技能的干预措施的适用性，和（B）治疗师和教师的易用性。 方法将包括定性数据和前后测试，3-5名儿童代表一系列残疾，文化背景和年龄谁参加K-5公立学校。 研究结果将使Beta原型设计能够为残疾儿童指定一系列应用程序，并将确定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能够进行改进，以针对特定的干预措施，促进各种残疾儿童的语言扫盲。 这项技术将以一个包的形式销售，其中包括一个光盘和指导手册，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.