World Autism Awareness Day: Humanoid robot with skin sensors to help children in NHS trial

Kaspar, a humanoid robot designed to help children with autism, is set to be trialled by the NHS. The child-sized robot was created by researchers at the University of Hertfordshire and is programmed to respond to touch. Kaspar is designed to play games with children, using a collection of skin sensors placed on various parts of its body to "encourage certain tactile behaviours" and discourage "inappropriate" ones. It will be used to teach five-to-ten year-olds who have recently been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) how to socialise and communicate. This is because research indicates that early intervention increases the likelihood of improved long-term outcomes for children with the condition.