Exploring behavioural and physiological interactions in a group-based emotional skill social robotic training for autism spectrum disorders

This paper presents a study to explore the feasibility and efficacy of using the socially assistive robot, i.e. QTrobot, during a group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy protocol aimed at teaching emotional skills in children with autism. During treatment, both behavioural and physiological data were collected. The innovative aspect is the use of QTrobot with upper-body gestures and animated faces combined with physiological monitoring during emotional tasks. Preliminary results were presented and discussed. The study evidences the potential feasibility and efficacy of QTrobot combined with physiological sensors to track socio-emotional changes in children with ASD.