Uso da robótica para exploração e descoberta do ambiente para crianças com deficiência física severa

Abstract

Severe-physically disabled children have little chance of environmental and social exploration and discovery, and due this lack of interaction and independency, this fact may lead to an idea that they are unable to do anything by themselves. This idea is called learned helplessness and is very negative for the child s cognitive development and social development as well. With this entire situation it is very likely that the self-esteem and mood will not be good and also there is a high probability of psychological problems. Trying to help children in this situation, educational robotics can offer and aid, once it can give them a certain degree of independency in exploration of environment. The system allows the child to control a sensor device that transmits the collected data to a computer which processes and sends the command to the robot. The data collected can be from head movement, muscle signals or any other body signal supported by the device. The configuration of the device must be done inside the software developed for this project. There is an expectation that using this system the negative effects provoked by disabilities may be softened, in a certain degree, and the child can have a better life and specially a better self image and self-esteem. Results are shown in the last chapter and the collected data about the volunteer children are able to show how important the usage of this system is on the performed tests for their development.