Investigating Nao’s Impact on Promoting Motor Skills in Young Children with ASD

This experimental study implemented a robot-based intervention in a preschool setting to explore how social robotics can promote motor skills in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study involved 20 children aged 24 to 36 months, divided into two groups of ten, each including a child with autism. The research aimed to develop specific robotic rehabilitation tools, enhance educators’ communicative skills, and assess the NAO robot’s effectiveness during motor activity sessions for children with autism. Results indicated that children were actively engaged with the robot, with those on the autism spectrum showing particular interest. Engagement varied, with one ASD child’s curiosity driving involvement, while the other ASD child’s participation required support by the educator in nurturing the child’s relationship with the robot and peers.