Nao is a programmable humanoid robot. Two-thousand of these little guys have been sold in 45 countries. Olivier Joubert, the autism business unit manager for Aldebaran Robotics, is in the photo with Nao.
Aldebaran has partnered with families, therapists, and researchers to "empower children with autism with autonomy, social acceptance, and better lives."
By using facial-recognition skills, CNET reports, "Nao can become attached to people who help it learn, just like a human infant. When confronted with an unfamiliar situation, or when neglected by its human caregiver, Nao can become agitated. It will remember past experiences it interprets as positive or negative."
Anjana Bhat, an assistant professor of kinesiology in the Neag School of Education, explains that "children with ASD typically feel more comfortable with robots than with other people initially, because robot interactions are simpler and more predictable and the children are in control of the social interaction. Robots also are fully-embodied beings that encourage children to engage in whole body interactions. Children with ASD typically enjoy playing with them and respond with imitative behavior often delayed during interactions with other people."
(Photo: Boston Globe via Getty Images)