Spain to introduce humanoid robots in special-needs classrooms

Ten schools in Spain with special-needs classes will begin using the humanoid robot Robic from the new school year.

The initiative follows a pilot project at Madrid's Gaudem school involving 30 children, which showed increased motivation, interest and engagement in lessons, Caliber.Az reports per Spanish media.

Robic uses therapeutic games and positive reinforcement to help children concentrate and take part more actively in classes. It is equipped with 3D cameras and sensors, while its artificial intelligence analyses pupils' actions and selects exercises according to their individual needs.

The technology is designed for children aged four to 10 with autism spectrum disorders, developmental delays, and motor, speech or cognitive difficulties.

Robic can adjust children's movements during exercises, encourage verbal interaction and support the development of spoken language.

Madrid authorities said information collected by the robot would be used only to adapt educational activities and would be processed in line with data-protection laws.

The pilot at Gaudem also found improvements in children's understanding of instructions, a calmer classroom environment and progress in communication skills.

Teachers said the robot was easy to integrate into lessons and helped personalise activities without adding to their workload.

By Aghakazim Guliyev