Comparing Imitation and Stereotyped Behaviors in Autistic Children: Robots vs. Human Operators

In the researchers' words

Virtual QT is a social robot designed to interact with humans in social and educational contexts. Equipped with visual and vocal interfaces, the robot can recognize and respond to various human inputs, providing emotional support and social interaction. It uses facial expressions, gestures, and movements to communicate, encouraging engagement and supporting learning through playful and educational activities. Its ergonomic design and interactive approach make it suitable for both clinical and educational settings. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the QTrobot in interventions for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and to assess whether children's attention and imitation are equally effective with the QTrobot compared to interacting with a human being. Furthermore, the presence of significant differences between motor and expressive imitation, when interacting with the robot as opposed to a human interlocutor, will be investigated. A key aspect of this investigation is to assess whether the presence of the QTrobot can positively influence the repetitive or stereotyped behaviors exhibited by the children, compared to interaction with a person. Additionally, to further understanding, the children's heart rate will be monitored through the use of a sensor that will allow to evaluate how heart rate affects performance outcomes during interaction…