Development of robotic mobility for infants: rationale and outcomes.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the feasibility of a robotic mobility device for infants using alternative control interfaces aimed at promoting early self-initiated mobility, and to assess the effects of a training protocol and robot experience.


METHODS
Observational and pre-post quantitative case studies.


METHODS
Standardised, research laboratory and day-care centres with toys and individuals familiar to infants.


METHODS
Children with and without disabilities, aged 5 months to 3 years.


METHODS
In each study, infants were seated over a Pioneer™ 3-DX mobile robot. Some infants controlled the directional movement of the robot by weight shifting their body on a Nintendo® Wii™ Balance Board (the WeeBot), while others used a modified joystick. Infants participated in five sessions over 2 to 5 weeks. Sessions consisted of administering a 10-minute training protocol preceded and followed by 2 to 3 minutes of free play. One child with motor impairment used a button switch array and a different experimental design.


METHODS
From the videotaped free-play periods, goal-directed behaviours were coded and time in motion was measured. In the training period, a scoring system was developed to measure the infants' driving performance.


RESULTS
Preliminary outcomes indicate that infants without disabilities, aged 5 to 10 months, demonstrated significant improvement in driving performance and goal-directed movement using the WeeBot. Infants who used the joystick were less successful on all measures. Results for infants with disabilities using the WeeBot were mixed.


CONCLUSIONS
Mobile robots offer promise to enhance the development of early self-mobility. Novel types of interfaces, such as the WeeBot, warrant further investigation.
Department of Physical Therapy, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. hlarin@ithaca.edu
Hélène M
HM
Larin
Carole W
CW
Dennis
Sharon
S
Stansfield
D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D015370:Infant Equipment; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D009068:Movement; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010989:Play Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface