Researchers at Haub Innovation Center at Saint Joseph’s University are developing ways for AI-powered robots to support aging adults with autism, writes Nicole Leonard for the WHYY.
They have partnered with Bancroft, a New Jersey nonprofit, to pilot the technology with individuals living in assisted care communities.
For the project, researchers programmed Pepper – a 4-foot-tall, AI-powered social robot – to engage with people who have autism and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Pepper now resides at Bancroft’s Judith B. Flicker Residences, an assisted living community for seniors with these conditions. Residents interact with the robot by playing games like Name That Song and Name That Sound, and even join in when Pepper cues up music for a dance session.
In addition to offering more attention and cognitive stimulation for aging adults with autism as they grow older, the project also creates an opportunity to better understand physical health and cognitive changes in these individuals.
“What does healthy aging look like for this group?” said Karen Lindgren, Bancroft chief clinical officer. “We know cognitively they’re very different. Social connection might look very different. So, how do we support that and do that here?”
Read more about the AI-powered robots in the WHYY.
