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ROLLY: A Software-Controlled Multi-sensor Social Robot for Interventions Toward Children with Autism Extended Abstract

  • Ali Safa*
  • , Ejmen Al-Ubejdij
  • , Farida Mohsen
  • , Ali Al-Zawqari
  • , Omar Al-Agha
  • , Raian Ali
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • Hamad bin Khalifa University
  • Vrije Universiteit Brussel
  • Bayanat

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often face significant challenges in social communication, sensory integration, and engagement with traditional therapeutic methods. While Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) has shown promise, existing platforms are constrained by proprietary designs, limited sensing adaptability, and prohibitive costs (>8,000 $). In this work, we present ROLLY, a software-controlled multi-sensor robotic platform for play-based ASD interventions. Integrating tactile sensors, visual (camera), auditory (sound speaker), and LED-based stimuli systems within a modular chassis. ROLLY enables fully customizable and programmable interactions with a low material cost of $300. The software-defined architecture supports block programming, randomized behavior generation, and manual control via WiFi and USB connectivity. This paper details the system’s design architecture, interaction modalities, and therapeutic applications. By reducing the robot system cost by two orders of magnitude compared to current social robot solutions, ROLLY democratizes SAR research, as well as state-of-the-art robot-based ASD intervention techniques.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationBehavioural and Social Computing - 12th International Conference, BESC 2025, Proceedings
EditorsTianyong Hao, Juan Velásquez, Qing Li, Bin Hu, Guandong Xu
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages283-291
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9789819571437
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2026
Event12th International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing, BESC 2025 - Hong Kong SAR, China
Duration: 16 Oct 202518 Oct 2025

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
Volume16433 LNCS
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference12th International Conference on Behavioural and Social Computing, BESC 2025
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHong Kong SAR
Period16/10/2518/10/25

Keywords

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions
  • Neurodivergence
  • Social Robotics

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