Puffy - an Inflatable Mobile Interactive Companion for Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Abstract

The paper describes the design of Puffy, a robotic companion for children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders that has been developed in cooperation with a team of therapists and special educators. Puffy has a combination of features which makes it unique with respect to existing robots for this target group. Puffy is mobile and its egg-shaped body is inflatable and soft. Puffy can interpret children's gestures and movements, facial expressions and emotions. It communicates using voice, lights, movements in space, as well as inside-out projections in its body.