Robot “Milo” Helps Students With Autism

INTRODUCING MILO. Lory Sciotto of Rosedale Elementary works with Milo, a robot that is being used to help autistic students develop social and communication skills, during a recent demonstration at the school.  Milo is a facially expressive robot that helps educators work with some students. (Sentinel photo by Mark Spelbring)

 

 

By Mark Spelbring

Sentinel Reporter

Elementary students with autism generally have difficulty relating to and communicating with other students, teachers, and school staff members, but at Rosedale Elementary they have a chance to relate to someone else, and it seems to be helping.  “Milo” is a robot that autistic students seem to be able to connect with and begin to build better communications skills.

Milo was the center of attention recently at an event hosted by Rosedale Elementary Principal Diana Spence and other staff for newly elected State Senator Spencer Deery.  Deery has a child on the autism spectrum and was especially interested in learning more about Milo and the success school staff members have seen in students working with him.

Milo is a unique type of robot created by RoboKind, an education technology company.  According to their website they build robots to support, not replace, special educators and their autistic students.  Milo is a facially expressive robot that talks 20% slower than humans, demonstrates human emotions, helps regulate emotions, and increases student engagement by assisting educators.

For the full article, see this week’s edition of the Parke County Sentinel.