Parents looking for ways to help their toddlers stay active might soon have an affordable robot buddy as a solution, according to a recent study from Oregon State University.
A new study by Oregon State University suggests that parents searching for assistance in encouraging their toddlers to be physically active might soon find an affordable robotic companion for their children.
The results of this research are significant because physical activity is crucial for children’s health, both during their childhood and into adulthood, as the researchers point out.
In this study, researchers observed weekly sessions with eight children aged 2 to 3 over the course of two months in a playroom equipped with various toys, including a toddler-sized robot called GoBot, which was designed collaboratively by the OSU colleges of Engineering and Health.
Each session, involving five boys and three girls, was divided into three parts.
In one part, the GoBot was present but inactive, allowing the child to push or pull it around if they wished.
In another part, the GoBot was operated remotely using a PlayStation DualShock4 controller to perform movements similar to a game of keep-away. The third part had the GoBot moving on its own. Regardless of the scenario, when the child approached the robot, it would reward them with sounds, lights, or bubbles.
The results indicated that the children’s activity levels increased when the robot was active, as measured by various sensors and cameras.
“We found it intriguing that the simple autonomous motions were just as engaging for children as the ones controlled directly,” said Naomi Fitter from the College of Engineering, who led the research. “This implies that a cost-effective robot companion for kids, which has more intelligence and autonomy than current smartphone-operated toys, could become available soon.”
For young children, the researchers highlight that physical activity supports cognitive, social, and motor development, and lays the groundwork for better psychosocial and cardiometabolic health in the future, promoting habits that can last a lifetime.
“The increasing levels of sedentary behavior is a significant challenge throughout life, and increasing physical activity at any stage can result in improved health outcomes,” Fitter explained.
The team also noted that previous research shows that a notable percentage of children do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity, which contributes to rising rates of childhood obesity and other health issues.
“Toys that encourage crawling and assist with walking are common,” Fitter stated, “but there is a lack of toys designed to inspire young children to be active and explore their surroundings once they start walking.”
Assistive robots like the GoBot may prove to be more effective in promoting physical activity compared to other tools because children perceive robots as more “peer-like and influential” than non-humanoid technologies like phones or computers.
“It’s important to clarify that we do not intend to replace caregivers, but rather to assist parents during developmental phases where engaging with their toddler can be challenging,” Fitter concluded. “Our research could pave the way for new robotic toys that families can enjoy together, helping bridge those engagement gaps.”
Joining Fitter in this study were Rafael Morales Mayoral and Ameer Helmi from the College of Engineering, along with Samuel W. Logan from the College of Health.
