EMOROBOT: AN OPEN-SOURCE ROBOT TO PROMOTE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

The aim of the following research work is to design and develop an open-source educational robot to promote the development of social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies have shown how the child-robot interaction can promote the implementation of new social behaviors in children with autism, creating predictable relational situations that help the child to relate, first with the robot and then with the human partner. Specifically, the aim of the project is to create an educational robot through the use of the 3D printer, which is customizable and programmable according to the specific needs of the child, so that it can be used by teachers. The project was born in the LAB-H of the Department of Human Sciences, Philosophical and Education (DISUFF) of the University of Salerno.