Voice-Controlled Robotics in Early Education: Implementing and Validating Child-Directed Interactions Using a Collaborative Robot and Artificial Intelligence

• Published in: Applied sciences Vol. 14; no. 6; p. 2408
• Main Authors: Aguilera, Cristhian A., Castro, Angela, Aguilera, Cristhian, Raducanu, Bogdan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Analysis; Artificial intelligence; Behavior; Children; Children & youth; cobots; Collaboration; Deep learning; Early childhood education; Education; human–robot interaction; Programming languages; Robotics; Robots; Semantic analysis; Semantics; Voice recognition; Spain; United States > US
• ISSN: 2076-3417; 2076-3417
• DOI: 10.3390/app14062408

This article introduces a voice-controlled robotic system for early education, enabling children as young as four to interact with robots using natural voice commands. Recognizing the challenges posed by programming languages and robot theory for young learners, this study leverages recent advancements in artificial intelligence, such as large language models, to make robots more intelligent and easier to use. This innovative approach fosters a natural and intuitive interaction between the child and the robot, effectively removing barriers to access and expanding the educational possibilities of robotics in the classroom. In this context, a software pipeline is proposed that translates voice commands into robot actions. Each component is tested using different deep learning models and cloud services to determine their suitability, with the best ones being selected. Finally, the chosen setup is validated through an integration test involving children aged 4 to 6 years. Preliminary results demonstrate the system’s capability to accurately recognize and execute voice commands, highlighting its potential as a valuable educational tool for early education.