A library in California has hired robots to assist in the education of children with autism.
Four-year-old Luke Sepulveda recently had an unexpected encounter with his new cutting-edge robotic companion during their inaugural meeting at the Santa Ana Public Library in Southern California. Luke, who has autism spectrum disorder, is supported by his mother in his journey to establish effective communication and meaningful interaction with the world around him.
“In different spaces, you don’t know how he’s going to react. So I was just hoping for the best, because he loves technology,” Luke’s mother, Ella Sepulveda, told CBS News. “Just knowing that a robot can engage his attention, that makes me happy.”
In collaboration with RobotLAB, the Santa Ana Public Library has taken the initiative to employ robots specifically designed to educate children with autism. This pioneering program, offered free of charge, is among the first of its kind in the country and primarily focuses on supporting underserved children of color.
“Human beings have emotions,” Larry Singer, a senior tutor at the library, said. “Human beings get tired, human beings get frustrated. A robot — same response every single time.”
