Therapists Use iPad-Controlled Robots to Help Kids with Autism

An emerging robotics company called Quantum International Corp. pursuing lucrative targets around the globe believes that robots controlled via Apple’s iPad are pushing the boundaries in improving the ways that children with autism learn and communicate.

Quantum reports on the success of robotics company Interbots which has teamed up with the Autism Center of Pittsburgh to create Popchilla, a plush robot designed to provide therapy for autistic children.

The condition prevents affected individuals from communicating properly, but autistic children appear to be more receptive to non-human entities, according to Quantum.

The company strongly believes that Popchilla can serve as a bridge between the outside world and autistic kids.

The program begins with therapists using an iPad app to control Popchilla’s movements and interact with an autistic child.

As the program moves forward, the therapists turn over the iPad controls to the child, encouraging them to use the robot to identify and express emotions, “potentially reducing behavioral frustrations,” according to the press release.

“We’ve already been amazed by the incredible evolution in robotics made possible by tablet technology, but Popchilla is one of the most innovative ideas we’ve seen yet,” said Quantum CEO Robert Federowicz. “This is exactly the sort of robotics breakthrough that we’re interested in helping to develop and deliver.”

In a separate announcement, the emerging robotics company revealed to the world that it is searching for partnering opportunities to capitalize on this new trend.

“By ushering in a new generation of tablet computers, Apple has given robot designers and application developers the ability to collaborate in the pursuit of practical, affordable mobile robotic solutions,” said Federowicz.

“A new wave of robotics taking advantage of the iPad’s ease of use and processing power is coming, and Quantum is well-positioned to help bring these innovations to market,” added Federowicz.