I am not sure if I am sad or happy. A research project- one devoted to improving the lives of autistic children- is going ‘mainstream’. The project- My Keepon. Basically, two bright yellow tennis balls stacked upon each other- with a black button nose and round-beaded-eyes. The name comes from the Japanese word for yellow (kiiroi), and the onomatopoeic sound (pon) it makes when it bounces or bobs.
This robot stems from Hideki Kozima’s research (Miyagi University, Japan). who developed its predecessor (Infanoid) to examine and improve social development in ASD children. That device was too realistic for its intended use- children fixated on the device, rather than really interacting with it.
With the help of Marek Michalowski (Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute, and interned at Kozima’s lab to complete his PhD), the robot was born. Dr. Michalowski’s major contribution was that he recognized that many of our normal actions are rhythmic, in nature- walking, hand gestures, speech- which he terms “dance”.
The eyes of the robot are really cameras, which afford a remote operator the ability to watch the child. The nose is a microphone. And, the robot rocks to show pleasure, bobs when it’s excited, and vibrates when it’s scared. It can even move its head and nod. By the way, one of the first tobot prototypes was a viral hit on YouTube (Keepon dancing to Spoon.)
This robot has been used with hundreds of autistic children- who are able to respond to it with emotion. Something they rarely do with their parents, peers, or teachers. Which contradicted our concept that ASD children lack the motivation to interact with others; instead, we now know that they can only interact when the stimuli are simple. (Personal interactions require complicated stimuli-response issues.)
A company was formed (BeatBots, LLC) to sell the robot device to research centers (at the bargain price of $30,000 per unit). Of course, these were all hand-made devices. Having moved to Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon worked with Kozima and Michalowski, in concert with the university’s Project Olympus (entrepreneurial venture arm), which focused efforts to make an inexpensive version for clinics and centers and to render a version as a mass-market toy.
And, now the robot is becoming available as an interactive toy for kids. The 10 inch device responds to pokes, pats, and tickles providing movements and sounds in its touch response mode . In its dance mode, My Keepon dances in synchrony to music, claps, or beats. What makes this toy unique is that it can tweak its behavior, based upon previous sequences of touches and recognizes when it’s ignored. Toys “R” Us (http://mykeepon.com/) has exclusive sales rights within the US; it expects to have the toy in stock by late October.
One only hopes the profits from this venture help make the “professional version” of My Keepon cheaper and more extensively used to help autistic children. Because the mass-market version clearly lacks some features that make this unique for children with ASD. It often happens that one loses focus as one’s company grows and profits.
Wow – that little Robot really does have personality! I can see why they’d want to mass market it – it’s adorable. But yes, l agree that the main objective should be for what it was originally intended and hope that they can bring the price down to help those dealing with ASD and their families. Very interesting that the stimuli needs to be simple to bring about emotional reactions. I always learn something from your posts Roy – thank you! And yes, I’d love a Keepon for my desk too – just looking at it brings a smile to my face! ~ Suerae
OK, Suerae, I will consider this an addition to your birthday agenda!
And, it is fantastic that the theory of Kozima/Michalowski worked so well.
Most folks consider the ASD child as unable to interact with others. This proves otherwise- and provides an avenue to extend their socializatin…
Oh, and your smile made me put on my sunglasses, it’s so bright!
Roy
From the sound of this ‘new’ toy there will be plenty of sales particularly with christmas fast approaching. i hope as you say, there enormous profits some how work their way back to the true source of this toy, and an organisation doesn’t forget its roots
Larry- that’s the critical issue. You nailed it.
It’s not the intent, but the focus of satisfying a mass market that sometimes causes this unintentional mission creep.
Here’s hoping my fears are exactly that: False Evidence Appearing Real (FEAR)!
Roy
Very interesting and hopeful. But why this robot? Why don’t autistic children respond to other “toys”? Or do they and I just haven’t read about it. Either way, this is very inspiring for parents of autistic children.
ASD kids do respond to toys- but this one allows for their study and, more importantly, it leads to improved social skills for their growth. That is one of the key issues. Many ASD kids have a hard time interacting with peers, parents, and others. If they feel comfortable interacting with KeePon, then they can be taught skills based upon these interactions so they can become more integrated into our society- and us into theirs.
That was the theory behind Kozima’s hypothesis and seemingly proved by Kozima/Michalowski’s developments
Thanks for your question, Allie. I’m sure others will pick up on that reasoning I inadvertently omitted.. And, thanks for dropping in.
Roy
I understand your trepidation about this toy going mainstream. The intent could be lost as it is brought to market. Mass production, marketing studies and costs may water it down. Thank you for sharing this invention. You bring to light so many interesting things, Roy.
Glad you found it of interest, Sherrie.
This is an issue for many an entrepreneur- we have certain intent. But, the exigencies of dealing with the profitable/growing side of the business often leads to a change in mission. Is the vision to help ASD kids or to make a profit?
(See the post about Steve Jobs from Tuesday..https://www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/http:/www.adjuvancy.com/wordpress/read-steve-jobs/)
Roy
And, now, there is a $ 14,000 robot being promoted for this concept. Glad those who can’t afford that one can still go to ToysRUs! http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324582004578456681984219240.html