QTrobot

LuxAI, have developed a humanoid robot called QTrobot. QTrobot is about 65cm tall, and can speak, move its arms and show emotions through a screen on its head. It is specifically designed to support autistic children in their development of 4 key early developmental skills:

1. Understanding of Language
2. Using Language to communicate
3. Social Skills
4. Cognitive Skills.

The robot is intended for use by non-specialized caregivers, such as parents. Therefore, as part of this study, families will be given their own QTrobot and 2 tablets, to use at home with their child over a 10-month period.

This is a unique approach to supporting autistic children, not only in the use of technology but also in positioning parents as leaders in supporting their child’s learning from home.

Inclusion in this study is open to anyone who meets the following criteria

• Child aged 30-57 months (at the start of the study)
• Has a child with an autistic profile (autism diagnosed or currently being explored)
• Lives in the West Midlands, England
• Communicates proficiently in English.
• Has access to Wi-Fi at home
• Willing to commit to using QTrobot for a minimum of 12 sessions a month, for 10 months

Research objectives

The aim of this research is to explore the 2-generational impact from the key mechanisms of change: QTrobot, being used at home, and over a long period of time (10 months).

1^st Generation: To see the impact on the autistic child’s learning

2^nd Generation: To see the impact as on the parents’ self-efficacy (which means our belief as parents that we have the knowledge and skills to support our autistic children the way they need).

It is a mixed methods study, which means we will be collecting statistical data through standardised direct assessments with he child, and through standardised and project specific parent surveys. While at the same time collecting parent’s thoughts, feelings and experiences to enable us to see the contextual factors impacting change, while also allowing us to see the nuanced changes data may not show.

Partner organisations and sponsors

We are working with three partner organisations, based in Luxembourg.

1. LuxAI
2. Luxembourg Institute for Health (LIH)
3. The University of Luxembourg: Digital health team

The research is funded jointly by the Luxembourg National Research Fund and the Luxembourg Ministry of Economy.

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