A study conducted by Oregon State University suggests that a robotic playmate may encourage increased physical activity in toddlers, offering potential health benefits. The research observed the behavior of eight toddlers, aged 2 to 3, in weekly play sessions over two months. The sessions took place in a room filled with toys, including a toddler-sized robot named GoBot, designed by a collaboration between OSU’s colleges of Engineering and Health.
The study focused on three different play scenarios: in one, the GoBot remained stationary, allowing children to interact with it manually if they chose. In the other two scenarios, the GoBot was either controlled by an operator or moved autonomously. The robot’s movements involved simple keep-away maneuvers, and it rewarded the children with sounds, lights, or bubbles when they got close. The results, measured by sensors and cameras, revealed that toddlers were more physically active when the GoBot was in motion, whether operated manually or moving autonomously.
According to the lead researcher, Naomi Fitter from the College of Engineering, the autonomous robot was as effective in engaging children as the manually controlled version. This suggests the potential for developing affordable, intelligent robotic toys that could promote physical activity in young children. The researchers highlight the importance of physical activity in early childhood for cognitive, social, and motor development, as well as for establishing long-term health habits.
The study also points to the issue of insufficient physical activity among children, which is linked to childhood obesity and other health problems. While there are toys designed to promote crawling and walking, few are aimed at encouraging physical activity in children who are already walking. Assistive robots like GoBot could play a significant role in addressing this gap, as children often respond more actively to robots than to non-robotic devices such as phones or computers.
The research team emphasized that the goal is not to replace caregivers but to offer tools that can complement parental efforts to engage toddlers in physical activity. The study suggests that future robotic toys could be used to support families in promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for their children. Collaborators on the study included researchers from both the College of Engineering and the College of Health at OSU.
