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The Journal of Korean Society of Community-Based Occupational Therapy Vol.13 No.2 pp.15-26
The Effects of Internet of Things-Based Artificial Intelligence Robot Services Utilizing Occupational Therapy Experts on the Care of School-Age Children with Developmental Disabilities
Han, Seung-Hyup 마산대학교 작업치료과 교수
Choi, Min-Kyung 마산대학교 작업치료과 교수
Jo, Eun-Ju 마산대학교 작업치료과 교수
Key Words : Internet of Things-enabled artificial Intelligence Robot,Developmental Disability,Care Service

Abstract

Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled artificial intelligence (AI) robot services, combined with counseling and monitoring provided by occupational therapy professionals, on the care of school-age children with developmental disabilities. Methods : IoT-based AI robots were provided to 171 school-aged children with developmental disabilities and their parents for four months, enabling the children to use the robots themselves with their parents. For the following six months, occupational therapy professionals conducted the monitoring including counseling, and education for parents during using the robot. The professional monitoring was provided to the parents by telephone calls every month and text messages at least once a week. To analyze the effectiveness of the robots, a usability test was conducted according to general characteristics right before the professional monitoring period. Additionally, to confirm the effects of the professional monitoring, a satisfaction of robot usage and effectiveness of care test were conducted before and after the monitoring period. Results : The study confirmed that IoT-based AI robots can be useful devices for the care of school-aged children with developmental disabilities, and there was no difference among the participants' characteristics (p>.05). Furthermore, significant improvements in satisfaction with robot usage and effectiveness of care were shown after the professional monitoring for six months (p<.05). In particular, the interest, performance, and satisfaction regarding the cognitive program were higher compared to other programs, and they significantly improved even after six months monitoring period (p<.05). Conclusion : This study confirmed that IoT-based AI robots are effective for the care of children with developmental disabilities. To maximize these effects, we suggest that professional management and supervision by occupational therapists be needed. It is guessed that education and management of using AI robots for people with disability could become a new role for occupational therapists in community-based occupational therapy.
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