IF WE GIVE ROBOTIC COMPANIONS TO CHILDREN, CAN WE SPARK INTERACTION & MOTIVATION TO LEARN, PLAY & PROGRESS?
Autism Spectrum Disorders are pervasive: advocacy organization Autism Speaks estimates as many as one in 59 children are diagnosed with the condition. Children with autism have learning and developmental disorders, and special needs in terms of cognitive, motor and sensory processing skills. To spur on progress, parents and therapists are constantly seeking new tools to motivate, stimulate and engage children in learning activities.
Leka was founded by engineering students who wanted to help exceptional children live exceptional lives. Their mission is to help parents, carergivers and doctors take care of these children in a smarter and more connected way.
One of their first products is a cute, spherical smart toy designed specifically for children with special needs. While at first it might look like any other toy packed with lights, sounds, and vibrations, the multi-sensory product is specifically designed to engage children with autism or other developmental disorders by keeping them interested and motivated to play, interact and learn both at home and in therapy. A broad range of sensors help track progress towards each child’s goals, as well as gather data that can be helpful to researchers to understand and discover patterns that may unlock some of the mysteries behind autism. And because it’s a robot, it’s predictable and stable: important qualities for children on the autism spectrum.
The Leka team joined the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab to help accelerate their goals. Through the Lab, the team can access the Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including tools like CATIA Modeling, Systems Engineering and SIMULIA Structural Analysis to build a robust product – and mentors within Dassault Systèmes to support their ideas. The team can also create a digital twin of their products in the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to help optimize the design and train caregivers and parents on optimal use of the robot.
Discover more about Leka’s mission and hear them in their own words about how they believe being part of the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab can help them expand their goals.
Alyssa is a Communications Director on the Dassault Systèmes Corporate Publishing team. She’s been part of DS for over 20 years, in roles ranging from public relations to marketing programs. Twitter: @DS_Alyssa