Testing a mobile robot toy for children with disabilities

Abstract

Robots showed a potential to enhance engagement in free play of children with severe motor impairment, however, they are too expensive to be used in low-income settings. The objective of this study is to perform technical assessment of a prototype of a low cost car-like robot that can be operated by head movements for children with motor impairment. We designed a robot that and tested its technical features. We found that the robot power efficiency is low (47%), current peak for both motors were 474.4 mA (right) and 416 mA (left) both of them were below 2 Amp which is the maximum current limit threshold tolerated by the L293B component, as the robots get far away from the control the response time slightly increased. The reaching distance of the remote control was 20.7 meters which is enough for using in therapeutic activities. Regarding the functional features, the robot moved forward in a straight line 86.6% of the tested trials (26/30) and was able to turn 90 degrees left or right 93.3% of the trials (28/30). The robotic prototype met basic technical and functional requirements. Power efficiency, safety and apparel features should be improved for being used by children with using for children with motor impairments. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015.