Social Robotics with FAMbots

PEERbots Social Robotics Fine Art Miracles

FAMbot’s Hugo Robot now hosts fun ZOOMs for kids–individuals and groups!

Socially assistive robots provide a bridge to learning like no other tool. Through peer learning, both children with challenges and those who are typically developing are able to focus for longer periods of time when engaged with a social robot. Social robots can move around; they offer information, ask questions and some can track the eyes of the person talking with him. A social robot is a wonderful aide in the classroom, especially for children with challenges (such as an autism spectrum diagnosis), who may have difficulty feeling comfortable interacting with humans, but have shown great improvement with social behavior when working with a robot.  FAM staff members have found social robots so effective that Fine Art Miracles is expanding its robotic efforts, using a social robot when facilitating any subject matter in what we call PEERbots: social robot enhanced learning using the robot as a peer.

PEERbots combines robotics with social and academic skills to create the perfect STEAM opportunity—very effective for early learners; particularly Pre-K to Grade 3.

Please see our “Pilot Programs” page for information on our Social Robot Partners!

WHY ROBOTS?


Because scientific studies show that all children benefit from working with a social robot in the following ways:

  1. Increased attention span and focus, which leads to greater task completion,
  2. Decreased inhibition, which leads to more creative problem solving,
  3. Increased verbalization and peer socialization, which enhances team building,
  4. A positive introduction to robotics, which inspires children to consider additional STEAM education and careers, and:
  5. Social robots level the playing field for all capabilities, which helps to create more inclusive classrooms, schools and communities.

FAM designs all interactions and programs robots with information, questions for the children and fun conversation, including games like I Spy and Simon Says. We’ve only begun to see the benefits that can occur with PEERbots, as we continue to explore.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW PEERBOTS WORK

We’ve been featured on HundrED.org!

PEERbot Learning Programs: Social/Emotional Learning with Robots!

“Overall, I have had a glowing experience using this robot. The interactions from both high and low functioning autistic children, has been great. Non-Verbal students take a great interest in the fiber optics and sounds. Verbal students like the movement towards them and the questions from the robot.”

 
Adam Ryan
Instructor, Fine Art Miracles, Inc. – pallet

“PEERbots learning works for children who have trouble learning from traditional methodology.  We’ve seen students who have not learned effectively from our regular social skills lessons actually learn with the robot and demonstrate social skills with others.  It’s the best learning tool we have for them.”

 

Program Director
Allegheny Children’s Initiative

“So versatile–it’s like a Swiss army knife for Autism!”

 

Adam Ryan
Instructor, Fine Art Miracles, Inc.
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