This project focused on leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to enhance imitation skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. By integrating the NAO robot into imitation training scenarios and applying human action recognition algorithms, our team aimed to make therapy sessions more engaging and effective for children with ASD. The results showed that robot-assisted interventions can effectively support therapists and help children improve essential imitation skills, laying a stronger foundation for communication and social interaction. This initiative highlights our lab’s dedication to advancing AI-driven tools in healthcare and fostering innovative research at the intersection of technology and therapy.

Researchers: Maha Alghamdi, Abeer Alnafjan, Noura Alhakbani

Collaboration: We have collaborated with the Autism Center of Excellence.

Publication:

• Alnafjan, A., Alghamdi, M., Alhakbani, N., & Al-Ohali, Y. (2025). Improving Imitation Skills in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the NAO Robot and a Human Action Recognition. Diagnostics, 15(1), 60. [View Paper]

• Alhakbani, N., Alghamdi, M., & Al-Nafjan, A. (2023). Design and Development of an Imitation Detection System for Human Action Recognition Using Deep Learning. Sensors, 23(24), 9889. [View Paper]

• Alghamdi, M., Alhakbani, N., & Al-Nafjan, A. (2023). Assessing the Potential of Robotics Technology for Enhancing Educational for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Behavioral Sciences, 13(7), 598. [View Paper]

This project explored Robot-Assisted Autism Therapy (RAAT) to support verbal and nonverbal communication in children with autism. Recognizing that diverse social and educational activities are vital for cognitive and social development, our study leveraged the NAO robot to help engage children who often show interest in interactive robots. We worked with five native Arabic-speaking autistic children aged 4–11, recording their sessions for later analysis using artificial intelligence algorithms to measure engagement. The results indicate that our system can accurately assess children’s engagement during therapy, supporting findings that robot-assisted therapy is a promising tool for helping autistic children achieve their therapeutic and educational goals.

Researchers: Abeer Al-Nafjan, Noura Alhakbani, Amal Alabdulkareem

Collaboration: We have collaborated with the Center for Autism Research at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, and the Autism Center of Excellence.

Publication:

• Al-Nafjan, A., Alhakbani, N., & Alabdulkareem, A. (2023). Measuring Engagement in Robot-Assisted Therapy for Autistic Children. Behavioral Sciences, 13(8), 618. [View Paper]

• Alabdulkareem, A., Alhakbani, N., & Al-Nafjan, A. (2022). A Systematic Review of Research on Robot-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism. Sensors, 22(3), 944. [View Paper]