Experience with the children-humanoid interaction in rehabilitation therapy for spinal disorders

Abstract

This paper deals with the social human-robot interaction with children towards the application outside tightly controlled and constrained laboratory environments. We present our experience of using the Nao humanoid robotic platform in a role of a physiotherapist for rehabilitation and prevention of scoliosis in a children's hospital and an elementary school in Slovakia. Before and between the exercise units, children could freely interact with a robot, what contributed to building-up robot-children relationship. The results indicate the potential of humanoids to enhance the quality of life of children in an entertaining and effective way. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.