A Pediatric Motor Training Environment Based on Human-Swarm Interactions

Abstract

Providing opportunities for movement to young populations with or at risk for motor delays is critical, as independent mobility in the first years of life can affect other developmental systems. Our goal was to create an assistive environment that combines dynamic body weight support technology and robotic swarms as a means of engaging infants in perceptual-motor activities. This paper describes the overall system configuration and feasibility. Pilot data from an infant participant were analyzed to extract information on mobility and human-robot swarm interactions. While the swarm formations were activated, the infant tended to move for longer periods and explore new areas in the environment. These preliminary findings inform future implementation of swarm robots in assisted environments to enhance perceptual-motor development.