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

这一小型企业创新研究(SBIR)第二阶段项目旨在增强功能，并对互动机器人系统进行临床评估，以促进残疾儿童接受和表达语言的发展。由康复工程、咨询和产品开发公司AnthroTronix，Inc.开发，这种儿童友好型机器人由各种接口控制，适合个人需求，而不受身体限制。孩子们通过手势和语音激活来控制机器人。手势可能包括伸手按下按钮，操作操纵杆，或者通过身体运动激活可穿戴传感器。孩子可以玩和记录声音和移动命令，并在编程游戏的背景下与机器人互动。该机器人允许孩子与其环境互动。控制软件可以更新，这样机器人就可以随着时间的推移继续保持孩子的兴趣和想象力。这项机器人技术旨在为学习和治疗提供增援和动力。目标是(1)完成机器人系统硬件和软件的设计和制造，以及(2)评估系统在言语/语言治疗中提供介入活动、动机和积极强化的能力。超过10%的儿童有一种或多种残疾。言语和语言障碍儿童的数量高于任何其他残疾儿童。共有1,050,975名6至17岁的学生患有初级言语和语言障碍，另有441,410名学生被诊断为言语和语言障碍。AnthroTronix正在满足市场对治疗师的需求，即拥有有效的工具，支持将言语/语言发展与儿童教育发展和社交发展相结合的方法，如沟通和人际交往技能。对于能够使治疗师在履行治疗职能的同时为残疾儿童提供更多动力和教育的产品来说，有一个明显的机会。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project seeks to enhance functionality and clinically evaluate an interactive robotic system to facilitate receptive and expressive language development of children with disabilities. Developed by Anthrotronix, Inc., a rehabilitation engineering, consulting, and product development company, this child-friendly robot is controlled by various interfaces adapted to individual needs, regardless of physical limitations. The child controls the robot via gestures and voice activation. Gestures may include reaching for a button, operating a joystick, or activating wearable sensors through body movement. The child can play and record sound and movement commands and interact with the robot in the context of programmed games. The robot allows the child to interact with its environment. The controlling software can be updated so that the robot continues to hold the child's interest and imagination over time. This robotic technology is designed to provide reinforcements and motivation for learning and therapy. Objectives are to (1) finalize the design and manufacture of the robotic systems hardware and software and (2) evaluate the systems ability to provide interventional activities, motivation, and positive reinforcement in speech/language therapy.Over 10% of all children have one or more disabilities. The number of children with speech and language impairments is higher than that for any other disability. A total of 1,050,975 students between the ages of 6 and 17 have a primary speech and language impairment and another 441,410 students have a secondary diagnosis of speech and language impairment. Anthrotronix is addressing the market need for therapists to have effective tools that support an approach that integrates speech/language development with children's educational development and social development, such as communication and interpersonal skills. There is a clear opportunity for products that enable therapists to provide increased motivation and education of children with disabilities while performing therapeutic functions.