Skip to main content

NAO for Autism

Our research team began in 2011 to embark on a journey in helping the autism community with the aid of a small humanoid robot by Aldebaran Robotics.


In March 2012, we kicked-off with a pilot study on the initial behavior of autistic children of various intelligence levels when exposed to simple human-robot interaction (HRI) modules executed by the humanoid robot NAO. All 12 children had been specifically assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and their diagnosis was classified as autistic disorder. The children were aged from 5 to 13 years old with IQ scores between 44 to 107. We hypothesize that NAO’s human-like appearance, its capability to blink its eyes, speak and play music; coupled with the simplicity of the HRI modules will be able to entice the children’s interest to engage in communication. Hence, this would significantly reduce the children’s autistic characteristics in communication behavior compared to the usual class setting.

During the robot-based intervention program at NASOM Titiwangsa

Results from the pilot study are suggestive of good initial response by the autistic children towards robot-based intervention, specifically in the subscale of stereotyped behaviour and communication. Nevertheless, response in social interaction with the robot was less encouraging. Therefore, in the next stage of the study, the interaction modules executed by the robot need to be more socially appealing and hence encourage natural, sustainable engagement with the children.

Currently my research is focusing on validating an instrument to evaluate child-robot interaction and also developing an online site that connects research engineers and clinical people to share information on utilizing humanoid robots to help children with autism.

Latest update (completed my PhD thesis in June 2015, viva on 15 July 2015):




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is a hooding ceremony?

I have always been intrigued by this event called 'the hooding ceremony' since I began my student life in UiTM about 3 years ago. This term always come to my attention and 'pops out' during the UiTM convocation ceremony. Yesterday I saw a post on the hooding ceremony (again) when my other half was browsing through IPSis UiTM's FB page. IPSis wrote that 52 PhD graduates had successfully completed their studies in UiTM and will receive their scroll in the 81st convocation ceremony. Picture take from IPSis UiTM's Facebook page Another picture take from IPSis UiTM's Facebook page Now, what is a hooding ceremony? It is simply a ceremony held for students graduating with a master’s or PhD degree. The placing of the hood signifies the passage from student to 'master's' or ‘PhD'. The hooding ceremony and recognition of students’ accomplishments draw attention to the scholarly and the personal achievements of the candidates for g
Post a Comment
Read more

Call for Participants: PhD Forum during IEEE-IRIS2015 Conference in Langkawi (19th October 2015)

“ It always seem impossible until it’s done ”- Nelson Mandela Are you facing difficulties during your PhD study? Feeling like your path to PhD is a lonely journey? Or you have just had your Viva and have lots of experience to share with others? Come and join this special event for aspiring, current and future doctorates! Completing a PhD is an odyssey. In fact, successfully undertaking a PhD degree requires self-determination, diligence, and the capacity for critical but constructive thinking as well as a thorough understanding of the relevant academic discipline. The PhD (Doctoral) Forum is one of many special programs organized as part of the 2015 IEEE 3rd International Symposium on Robotics and Intelligent Sensors (IEEE-IRIS2015). The 3-hour, interactive session will be held on the second day of the symposium (19 th October 2015). PhD Forum aims to p rovide a setting for mutual feedback on participants' current research projects and guidance on future
Post a Comment
Read more

🌻 NEW BEGINNINGS 🌸

Assalamualaikum wbth and good day hi everyone!  It is now July 2023 and I’m so excited to start this new chapter in my life 😊. I am happy to share that I am now a lecturer/researcher at the Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang. Wish me luck! “ Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler. ” ~Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The only constant thing in this life is change. Hence, new beginnings, and new adventures for me. Let's do this!  💃🏻 My last day at the Faculty of Manufacturing Engineering, UTeM, Melaka (June 2023) Reminiscing: my last working day at the Department of Higher Education, MOHE, Putrajaya (September 2022) For any proposals to collaborate just reach out to me at syamimi.s@usm.my. ✌
1 comment
Read more