A child-sized humanoid robot that can talk, comb its hair and even play the drums is changing the lives of children with autism around the UK. Known as Kaspar, the robot uses realistic but simplified human-like features to help children with autism explore basic human communication and emotions, and learn about socially acceptable physical interaction. It has skin sensors on various parts of its body – including on its cheeks, torso, arms, palms and feet -, which allow it to respond to touch. This autonomous response, together with the pre-programmed responses that can be triggered remotely by teachers, therapists, or other children, enable Kaspar to encourage certain tactile behaviours and discourage inappropriate ones. For example, when the robot is tickled it will laugh and reply in a friendly manner, but if a child is “playing rough”, squeezes too hard or pinches the robot, Kaspar will tell the child that it “hurts” and express appropriate body language. Kaspar was developed by the University of Hertfordshire, and has been used in long-term studies with approximately 170 autistic children in Britain and overseas. At present, only three custom-made Kaspar machines exist worldwide, but the next step for the team is to take the successful prototype from the lab and into every school, home and, potentially, hospital or clinic that needs one. “Kaspar has been helping many children with autism for over a decade now,” said Kerstin Dautenhahn, Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of Hertfordshire. “We want to turn our prototype into an advanced, robust and commercially viable robot that is available to any child around the world.” According to the National Autistic Society, there are currently 700,000 people with autism in the UK, meaning autism is part of the daily lives of around 2.8 million people. Children with autism can often find physical interaction difficult, so Kaspar acts as a mediator between them and other children, teachers, family and therapists. However, psychologists and therapists believe the robot could also assist children with other social interaction difficulties and communication issues. “Kaspar has the potential to help many children worldwide and our growing body of research evidence shows this help could stretch beyond those with autism,” said Prof Dautenhahn. “The robot and accompanying technology means we have real opportunity to help many families whose children have trouble communicating, sharing emotions or have even suffered psychological trauma.” Kaspar is part of a special exhibition called “Robots” at the Science Museum in London, which opened on February 8, 2017. The exhibition is the most significant collection of humanoid machines ever displayed and charts the 500-year human history of recreating ourselves in robotic form. Published in Daily Times, July 30th , 2017.