Building Emotional Intelligence Through Robotics

Written by Clementina S. Caldwell on behalf of Confuse the Machine.

Clementina is a curious writer who loves exploring all kinds of topics. She’s always on the lookout for new ideas and fun niches to explore. When she’s not writing, you can catch her with a good book or dreaming up her next project.

Although humanoid robotics like Marty the Robot are primarily designed to aid STEM education, they can also build emotional intelligence in children: the crucial ability to perceive, manage, and express emotions, as well as understand the emotions of others. For example, children with autism spectrum condition showed improvements in “emotion regulation, self-esteem, and conversation and friendship skills” through use of companion robots, an article in AI & Society reveals. As children typically form instant bonds with Marty the Robot, it’s a natural and easy process for them to develop their communication and emotional skills through play-based learning. In turn, children strengthen life skills needed for mental health and wellbeing, relationships, and academic and professional success.

Humanoid robots aid emotional and social skills 

Recent research shows the humanoid (or human-like) nature of robots like Marty the Robot can successfully teach correct social behaviours. For example, children with autism spectrum disorder who played games with a humanoid robot learned how to practise taking turns, a study in Journal of Behavioral Robotics found. This is a key social skill that can be more easily taught via a highly-predictable, repetitive device like a humanoid robot, which, in turn, contributes to healthy human interactions.

Social robots can also positively impact children’s emotional regulation, and, specifically, their ability to handle stress. For instance, young teens who worked on and talked with humanoid robots reported an overall reduction in stress levels, a 2020 study in Frontiers reveals. “Many times a users’ response to the robot was laughter and engagement”, the researchers found. The participants also particularly valued the robot’s ability to appear like it was actively listening to what they told it. In turn, this helped participants develop a better understanding of their own feelings and emotions.

In addition, tech-savvy children are similarly best prepared for future professional success in STEM or any industry as digital skills are increasingly in demand. For instance, AI (artificial intelligence) is now often used to automate repetitive, time-consuming tasks. In fact, 53% of employees say automation saves two hours a day, the British Computer Society reveals. With AI task automation, employees have more time to focus on high-value tasks or professional development. So, whether they’re responsible for the development and implementation of AI tools or simply use them within their own workflows, digitally-proficient children will undoubtedly thrive in the high-tech future.

Robotics are fun and engaging tools that can build emotional intelligence. As children of all ages typically form instant connections with Marty the Robot, it’s easy for them to develop key communication and emotional life skills through play-based learning.

Want to try Marty for yourself? Robotical is delighted to offer two-week, no-obligation trials to schools across the UK and US. To learn more about our free trial program, click below.