Fazah Akhtar Hanapiah

Initial response of autistic children in human-robot interaction therapy with humanoid robot NAO

The overall context proposed in this paper is part of our long-standing goal to contribute to a group of community that suffers from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); a lifelong developmental disability. The objective of this paper is to present the development of our pilot experiment protocol where children with ASD will be exposed to the humanoid robot NAO. This fully programmable humanoid offers an ideal research platform for human-robot interaction (HRI). This study serves as the platform for fundamental investigation to observe the initial response and behavior of the children in the said environment. The system utilizes external cameras, besides the robots own visual system. Anticipated results are the real initial response and reaction of ASD children during the HRI with the humanoid robot. This shall leads to adaptation of new procedures in ASD therapy based on HRI, especially for a non-technical-expert person to be involved in the robotics intervention during the therapy session.

Robots as Adjunct Therapy: Reflections and Suggestions in Rehabilitation for People with Cognitive Impairments

The expanding function of robots in rehabilitation has allowed for new intervention methods that are accurate, motivating and repetitive. By analyzing current state-of-the-art evidences, this paper proposes considerable necessities for robots to take part in the rehabilitation environments. Suggestions focus specifically on intervention for people affected by autism, Cerebral Palsy (CP) and dementia. Overall, a robot in human shape present advantages over other types of robots in autism and CP therapy context as it is physically suitable in imitation-based therapy. However, for elderly people affected with dementia, so far only robots in animal shape have been utilized in therapy and succeed to improve their mental functions.

Robot-assisted learning for communication-care in autism intervention

Robot-based intervention for children with autism is an evolving research niche in human-robot interaction (HRI). Recent studies have covered the role of robots in clinical and experimental setting but not much on integrating them in educational setting. Our previous work had shown that interaction with a robot poses no adverse effects and that the robots specific interaction scenarios were associated with less autistic behavior. Extending this impact on school-going children, interactions that are in-tune with special education lessons are needed. This study aims to propose the integration of a robot into current learning environment for children with special needs, specifically autism. Six interaction scenarios had been designed based on the existing syllabus to teach communication skills, using the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) technique as the framework. Development of the robotic experience for learning also covers the required set-up involving participation from teachers. The actual research conduct involving school children, teachers and robot shall take place in the next phase.

Stereotyped behavior of autistic children with lower IQ level in HRI with a humanoid robot

Robots present immense potential as adjunct therapeutic tool, particularly for children with autism. Autism is a developmental disability normally detected within the first 3 years of life, characterized by the differing degrees of impairments in stereotyped behavior, social interaction and communication. This paper highlights our findings in a pilot study where children with autism were exposed to a humanoid robot. The simple modules of interaction were designed based on the human-robot interaction (HRI) approach. Six children who participated were identified with lower IQ classification. Child-robot interaction session and the childrens interaction behavior in class (without robot) were recorded. A behavior score sheet referenced to GARS-2 was used to evaluate the videos in both set-ups. Initial responses of the children were analyzed specifically in the deficit area of stereotyped behavior. Overall results show that 5 out of the 6 children responded well in child-robot interaction. Comparison with in-class interaction portrays reduced percentage in stereotyped behavior during the child-robot interaction. However, strong proof to link the childrens responses with their IQ levels need to be supported with larger samples of children in the future.

Emergence of Socially Assistive Robotics in Rehabilitation for Children with Cerebral Palsy: A Review

Robotic assistive technology is today widely used in rehabilitation. Social assistive robotics (SAR) is one of the developing areas of research with potential advantages for areas involving elderly care, people with cognitive impairment, rehabilitation for people with physical disabilities and for educational purposes. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common neurological disorder among children that impairs motor function and may involve cognitive function. The use of social assistive robotic technology serves as a potential approach for CP rehabilitation. The objective of this paper is to review published articles regarding SAR in rehabilitation for children with CP. Twelve published studies have been identified and will be discussed in this review paper.

The preliminary investigation of electromagnetics radiation for the left hemisphere stroke

This study investigates human body electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for the left hemisphere stroke patients with different gender based on their rehabilitation group. The data is collected at sixteen points around the human body from 115 subjects undergoing stroke therapy. The statistical properties of human body radiation frequency are examined using SPSS software. It is found that the left hemisphere stroke patients generally have lower frequency reading on the right side of the body compared to the left side.

A Qualitative method to analyze response in robotic intervention for children with autism

This paper presents a method to carry out qualitative analysis when evaluating the interaction between child and robot in autism intervention. The technique consists of 24-items of behavioral assessment which was referenced to the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-Second Edition (GARS-2). GARS-2 is a screening instrument used to identify and diagnose autism. Preliminary results from a pilot study show that this method had allowed qualitative observation to be carried out to compare the behavior of autistic children with and without the presence of a robot. The feasibility of this technique will be further justified through future wide-spread studies involving a larger number of children spanning across the whole spectrum of autism.

Spasticity mathematical modelling in compliance with modified ashworth scale and modified tardieu scales

The aim of this work is to formulate a spasticity symptoms-oriented model, in terms of its capability to consistently emulate unidirectional and velocity-dependent spasticity symptoms, based on a Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). Spasticity stiffness can be simulated using two dynamic equations expressing 1) muscle tone catch during passive stretching at different velocities and 2) resistance through Range Of Motion (ROM). Muscle tone is proportionate to velocity; where muscle resistance is constant until reaching a certain angular velocity. Following different Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) levels, muscle resistance can occur at varying degrees through the ROM. The simulated spasticity of MAS 1+, based on the developed model, shows a strong positive linear correlation coefficient with average r = 0.7414 for fast forearm extension. The derived model will be used to develop new principles of variable stiffness actuation in an upper limb part-task trainer that is able to emulate upper limb spasticity symptoms.

Interactive behavior design in humanoid robot towards joint attention of children with cerebral palsy with human therapists

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong physical disorder of movement and posture, at times associated with other medical and cognitive impairment including joint attention. Nowadays, advancement of robotic technology promises potential application to CP rehabilitation. Previous study resulted that robotic technology has successfully elicited interest and joint attention in young children. This study proposes the development and application of a human-robot interaction method for facilitating joint attention skills in rehabilitation for children with CP. This paper proposes a method of using a humanoid robot to initiate joint attention between therapist and/or parents and the child in therapy session. Four interactive scenarios have been designed in the human-robot interaction. Clinical experiment with children with CP will be conducted in the near future.

The initial investigation of electromagnetics radiation for the right hemisphere stroke patient

This preliminary study investigates human body electromagnetic radiation (EMR) for the right hemisphere stroke patients based on their rehabilitation group which is categorized into advance, intermediate and early group. The data is collected at 16 points around the human body from 84 subjects undergoing stroke treatment. The statistical properties of human body radiation frequency are examined using SPSS software. It is found that the right hemisphere stroke patients generally have higher frequency reading on the left side of the body compared to the right side. The advance group has lower frequency radiation for both left- and right-side compared to the other two groups.