Open-Source Robotic Study Companion with Multimodal Human–Robot Interaction to Improve the Learning Experience of University Students

Abstract

Remote, online learning provides opportunities for flexible, accessible, and personalised education, regardless of geographical boundaries. This study mode also promises to democratise education, making it more adaptable to individual learning styles. However, transitioning to this digital paradigm also brings challenges, including issues related to students’ mental health and motivation and communication barriers. Integrating social robots into this evolving educational landscape presents an effective approach to enhancing student support and engagement. In this article, we focus on the potential of social robots in higher education, identifying a significant gap in the educational technology landscape that could be filled by open-source learning robots tailored to university students’ needs. To bridge this gap, we introduce the Robotic Study Companion (RSC), a customisable, open-source social robot developed with cost-effective off-the-shelf parts. Designed to provide an interactive and multimodal learning experience, the RSC aims to enhance student engagement and success in their studies. This paper documents the development of the RSC, from establishing literature-based requirements to detailing the design process and build instructions. As an open development platform, the RSC offers a solution to current educational challenges and lays the groundwork for personalised, interactive, and affordable AI-enabled robotic companions.