Thusha Rajendran (Heriot Watt, Edinburgh Centre for Robotics)

The role of socially assistive robots in understanding and treating developmental disorders

NOTE: this talk will not be recorded.

Abstract:

Here, I will speak about Developmental and Social Robotics as a continuum of research in technologies in developmental disorders: including computer-role play, virtual environments and touchscreens. At the heart of my research is psychology theory – and I will explain how these have underpinned the creation, implementation and evaluation of technologies for special populations. I will also speak about how technology has allowed for the framing of disability to move away from a medical model to one of neurodiversity.