A series of QUT research studies have shed light on the importance of involving individuals with intellectual disabilities in the development of assistive technologies.
With significant projected market growth across the next decade, more and more humanoid robots are in development, highlighting the importance and timeliness of inclusive research.
These studies, which focus on the co-design of social robots, have led to promising new insights into how inclusive design can enhance accessibility and social engagement for this often-marginalised group.
From research participant to co-researcher: Chloe's story
Chloe Haidenhofer, a woman with intellectual disability, transitioned from research participant to lead author of the study, From research participant to co-researcher: Chloe's story on co-designing inclusive technologies with people with intellectual disability.
Two QUT researchers, Associate Professor Laurianne Sitbon and Dr Jessica Korte, both from the QUT School of Computer Science, are co-authors on the paper.
The experience report offers the perspective of the first author Chloe, who also works at the Endeavour Foundation, on participation in technology co-design and her views of how technology, particularly social robots, can be designed for everyone's benefit.
"The study demonstrated Chloe's ability and insights into technology design – she had a different way of looking at how the role of an assistive robot can go beyond functional support, towards social aid as well," Professor Sitbon said.
"Chloe surprised us with analytical insights about other participants, contextualising their input, making suggestions that could benefit them, and helping them express their preferences in their own way."
Chloe recorded the findings through first-person experiences and interviews, exploring her peers' social robot interactions with the support of humanoid robot, Pepper.
"Robots aren't just fun, they're super progressive and can be used so diversely these days," Chloe said.
"I've seen first-hand at Endeavour Foundation's Learning and Lifestyle hubs how Pepper can help my friends come out of their shell and feel more confident to talk to other people or do other activities.
"Pepper does that by communicating through an iPad, either visually or verbally, and will help that person say or do whatever they want in that moment, without the need of seeking the assistance of others if they chose."
Read the full study, published in ASSETS '24: Proceedings of the 26th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility, online.
Social robots in museums: enhancing engagement and accessibility
Another area of focus is the use of social robots in museum settings.
The study, presented at the DSAI conference and co-authored by QUT PhD candidate Alicia Mitchell, from the QUT Centre for Robotics, alongside Professor Sitbon and researchers from Università della Svizzera italiana, investigates the potential of social robots to enhance the engagement and participation of individuals with intellectual disabilities in museum settings.
Museums, while playing a vital role in promoting cultural and education experiences, can present significant barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Social robots are emerging as a promising solution, offering personalised interactions that cater to the specific needs of visitors.
"User studies from the research showed that social robots improved engagement, enhanced social interactions and increased overall satisfaction among individuals with intellectual disabilities," Professor Sitbon said.
"The findings underscore the potential of technology to bridge gaps in cultural and educational accessibility."
Read the full study, Social Robots in Museums: Enhancing Engagement and Accessibility for People with Intellectual Disabilities, online.
Collaborative design for personalised support
A third study, co-authored by Professor Sitbon, Ms Mitchell and QUT postdoctoral research fellow Dr Saminda Sundeepa Balasuriya, also from the QUT Centre for Robotics, and presented at OzCHI 2024, focused on the collaborative design of robots with people with intellectual disabilities and their support workers.
Through a series of workshops, participants worked closely with researchers to design robots that could address their specific needs in a variety of contexts.
Preferences for humanoid robots with multimodal communication abilities – such as speech, lights, sound, gestures and music – emerged from the research, as well as a desire for robots that are smaller in size and tailored to individual contexts.
"By involving users in the design process, the study emphasised the importance of creating technologies that are not just functional but also personalised and meaningful for those who will use them most," Professor Sitbon said.
Read the full study, Attributes of robots co-designed with people with intellectual disabilities to support them in diverse contexts, online.
Future directions
The insights gathered from these studies suggest a strong need for continued collaboration between researchers, individuals with intellectual disabilities, and designers.
"Co-design is not only about creating better technology; it is about empowering people to shape the tools that will support them in their daily lives," Professor Sitbon said.
"Furthermore, through such studies, carers and support workers can see what people can achieve once they build confidence, practice and learn new skills with technology that does not judge them."
Main image: Chloe Haidenhofer and Pepper. Photo supplied by Endeavour Foundation.
