Wednesday, March 6, 2019

The True Heroes of Socially Assistive Robotics

As I meet the many individuals in my robot travels and demonstrations, the persistent question of those who encounter robots is often: “What does this robot do?” Admittedly, a reasonable question to ask. Even in the professional robotics community there is the constant search for: “What are specific use case examples for this robot”?
The answer is that socially assistive robots, in truth their developers, have achieved the next plateau, and are providing demonstrable answers to both of those questions. We can now clearly see that socially assistive robots are providing impactful assistive solutions in autism therapy, pediatric hospitals, elder care, and special needs education to cite a few of the leading use cases. I state ‘assistive solutions’ for a reason. Robots in these disciplines are not intended to replace humans but work as assistive resources that first, enhances the delivery of services, whether it be therapeutic services in autism, exciting and engaging students in the classroom learning experience, creating transformative social experiences and stimulating cognitive engagement for the elderly in skilled nursing facilities. Second, expanding the resources available to those who work in these disciplines, such that they, as professionals, can do more, make a greater difference, and improve upon the resulting success of the targeted benefits.
Multiple University based research has long identified and pointed to the potential of socially assistive robots. And, their ground-breaking research efforts surely are to be recognized and applauded. The potential they envisioned is now being realized. I assure you, that those of us engaged in this arena understand that there is yet much more research yet to do.
But who are the real heroes of this journey marching on to the new horizons of benefits that socially assistive robots can offer? Surely, the engineers, software developers, and researchers would be among the first on that list, however, in my opinion, it is those individuals who contemplate a vision and take the leap to apply socially assistive robots, actually test them, and offer advice based on their experiences using socially assistive robotics in real life situations. They are the truly brave ones who forge the new frontiers, blazing and demonstrating a path for themselves and most importantly their patients, the elderly, the students and the parents that they strive to serve. Without them, the translation of the vision of socially assistive robots in actual practice would not be made possible. There is a difference between research lab theory and real-world applied use.
A few examples of the heroes I have encountered:
An Elementary school teacher who teaches students in a special needs school adopted a socially assistive robot to aid in skills development for almost 100 children with autism. Her weekly schedule of interactions with these children has yielded demonstrable improvements in many of these children’s coping and learning skills. These robot-based mediated intervention sessions have become not only a source of excitement for the children but her detailed session observations have led to the development of autism applications that are even more impactful and beneficial.
A technology specialist at another school created a library of learning sessions that advance the education of special needs students by way of utilizing robot-based learning events that transform conventional lectures into highly interactive, robot led engagement sessions. This teacher’s vision of robot led learning programs have become legendary in the school with students wanting to do them over and over again.
A Librarian in a public library had the vision of enhancing their community’s digital literacy program by adding a robot to their ‘makerspace’ resource. Following the announcement of the robot’s availability to the community, library visits increased by over 700 visits.
A developer had the vision of using the robot to help reduce the pain and anxiety experienced by children facing medical procedures in pediatric hospitals. Working with the child life specialist team in a local hospital they conducted a clinical study and attested to ‘an up to 50%’ reduction in a child’s pain and anxiety.
Without heroes like them, those of us who serve as intermediaries in this effort would be stalled at that final moment of truth. Does what we offer in socially assistive robots actually make a difference? Can socially assistive robots be used in real life situations? Will someone try and use them? Thankfully, due to their vision and courage, the answer is yes. For their cooperation and collaboration, the world will be and should be thankful. They are making a real difference.


Michael Radice is the Chairman of the Technology Advisory Board for ChartaCloud Technologies, ROBOTTECA.com and SociallyAssistiveRobots.com