Robotic Arm Use by Very Young Motorically Disabled Children

Abstract

This paper reports on a study carried out to determine if very young children would interact with a small computer-controlled robotic arm. Six disabled and three normal children were used in the study. All children were less than 38 months in age. The arm was trained to carry out movements on activation of a single switch by the child. Fifty percent of the disabled children and 100% of the normal children did interact with the arm and use it as a tool to obtain objects out of reach. Possible relationships between the use of the arm and developmental levels in various areas are discussed.