It's Good to be a Robot!

The 5 Coolest Robots for Kids With Autism
October 11, 2012 – These lifelike machines are helping children on the spectrum interact and pick up on social and emotional cues. – takepart.com - Jenny Inglee

1. Robot Dances Its Way From Autism Therapy to Toys `R' Us
Aug 11, 2011 – My Keepon was originally developed as a therapeutic tool for autistic children who can be overwhelmed by face-to-face interactions. The creators teamed up with toy maker WOW! Stuff, which agreed to dedicate a portion of revenue to autism research. Toys "R" Us Inc. has exclusive rights to sell the robot in the U.S. – Bloomberg Businessweek's Ashlee Vance reports. (Source: Bloomberg)


2. Kaspar the Friendly Robot Helps Autistic Kids
Mar 8, 2011 – Eden Sawczenko used to recoil when other girls held her hand and turned stiff when they hugged her. This year, the 4-year-old autistic girl began playing with a robot that teaches about emotions and physical contact – and now she hugs everyone. – Associated Press


3. A Story of Robots and Autism
Apr 25, 2013 – The young boy, Jack, shyly approaches his friend in a classroom at Whiting Lane Elementary School. This is the last time they’ll see each other, and Jack has a gift for his playmate: a picture of the two of them together, and the words, “I’ll miss you.”
A common enough scene, except the “you” in this case is a humanoid robot programmed by researchers affiliated with the University of Connecticut and Movia Robotics to help children with learning delays like those on the autism spectrum improve their social and communication skills. To learn more about the robot project, visit: UConn


4. RoboKind ZENOs : robots for research
Mar 9, 2011 – Priced from $8,500 to $14,750, RoboKind robots bring you amazing Hanson facial expressions on walking bodies, for the most lifelike robots in the world. With hi-def cameras, numerous sensors, software API, Maxon motors and a powerful embedded computer, RoboKind robots are perfect for RoboCup, robotics, and psychology research. – Robokind Robotics


5. Robots teach communication to kids with autism
Apr 29, 2013 – The learning tools, made by French company Aldebaran Robotics, are being used to teach children with autism about the subtleties of human communication and emotion and to bring them out of their shells in the classroom. – Aldebaran Robotics, NBC's Michelle Kosinski