Research Article

A Control Architecture of Robot-Assisted Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Table 2

Overview and explanation of the basic event.

PhaseBasic eventExplanation

InitializationDetect childThe robot detects the child and adjusts its position and poses for the child
Identify childThe robot identifies the child and loads the data, including name, gender, stage of development, preference, etc.
Greet childThe robot greets the child with body movement and speech

Arousing child’s interestPlay audioThe robot plays music or other sounds, such as birds singing
DancingThe robot performs the dance
DialogueThe robot tries to talk to the child
Body movementThe robot swings its limbs and head
Facial expressionThe robot attracts the child through changes in the eyes’ LEDs

TrainingIntroduce trainingThe robot gives an explanation of what will to be done
Correct mistakeIf the child makes a wrong action, the robot will point out the mistake and ask the child to do it again. If the child fails three times, this action will be abandoned
Pause sessionThe robot makes a short break for the child
Claim attentionIf the child is distracted, the robot reminds him to focus attention
GuidanceThe robot guides the child to imitate its action by language. For example, the robot says, “raise your right hand.”
Adjust the degree of tasksWhen the child imitates correctly or mistakenly three times, the robot will adjust the difficulty level of the next action
Encourage the childWhen the child completes the task correctly, the robot praises him; when the child completes the task incorrectly, the robot encourages him

Finishing sessionSay goodbyeThe robot says goodbye to the child
Update fileThe robot updates the child’s information and stores them in the database