Background
QTrobot is an expressive social robot designed to support therapists, teachers, and support workers in teaching new skills to autistic students and students with other SEN. Using facial expressions, gestures, and gamified educational modules, QTrobot helps children develop cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills in a structured and non-overstimulating learning environment.
Health Innovation North West Coast played a key role in introducing technology to education providers in the North West of England, enabling the deployment of QTrobots in classroom settings.
Project Overview
Through collaboration with the Together Trust, one of the North West’s leading disability charities, three QTrobots were introduced into education centres to support students with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs, and autism.
The robots, controlled by educators and therapists, serve as a pivot point between the student and adult, facilitating improved communication, emotional understanding, and sustained social interaction.
The Innovation Agency supported the project by providing guidance, introducing partners, and granting funds to evaluate the robots’ impact on educational outcomes.
Outcomes
The QTrobots have shown highly promising results:
Students demonstrated greater participation and longer engagement compared to traditional face-to-face interactions.
Teachers and therapists reported improved learning outcomes and more sustained attention among students.
The robots helped create a predictable, non-judgmental environment, reducing anxiety and supporting emotional development.
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