Social Robots Have Potential to Supplement Stuttering Treatment - Neuroscience News

Summary: Social interaction robots show promise in helping those who stutter to improve their speech fluency and communication confidence. Social robots that interact with humans could be a promising new addition to current treatment tools for people who stutter, according to a recent study looking at how the high-tech helpers might be used in clinics. Unlike apps and AI programs within computers, social robots have a physical presence, making them well suited for interventions in the context of a stuttering clinic, explains study co-author Torrey Loucks. Stuttering affects the quality of life of those who experience the speech disorder, with effects extending beyond just speech difficulties, Loucks notes. "Stuttering can further result in poor self-image, negative views that the person feels, and this leads to anxiety about engaging in speech communication."