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Can Robots Add Value in Therapy
written by Tracy Wakeford
I love technology and also love play. We know that anecdotally the two things can be put together, but I was asked by the CEO and Founder of Kai’s Education, Bruce Jackson, if this could also be applied to my psychology work. Naturally, I was pleased with any excuse to try some new, fun technology.
Kai’s Clan is a collaborative coding platform encompassing several technologies into an all-in-one learning platform, either digitally or physically. Kai’s Clan brings multiple cross-curricular learning experiences to the classroom to engage and motivate students. It was founded with the aim of merging the physical and virtual worlds to become an interactive learning playground to nurture an interest in coding and robotics in children.
This year, the founders of Kai’s Clan will release the new addition, ‘KaiBot.’ KaiBot, the world’s first hybrid robot, can be used for screen-free coding, hybrid, or just virtual. Its small size (it fits in the palm of your hand) defies its big abilities. This robot can be used both in the physical world and virtually. You can customize your robot, including your own avatar on the robot and the screen. There are lesson plans available for teachers/parents/professionals, and some of these lessons specifically focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). For example, users can code their robots to the SEL coding card that expresses their inner feelings, therefore requiring them to be mindful of their feelings and provide a nonverbal way to communicate this inner experience.
This robot can be used both in the physical world and virtually. You can customize your robot, including your own avatar on the robot and the screen.
There are lesson plans available for teachers/parents/professionals, and some of these lessons specifically focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). For example, users can code their robots to the SEL coding card that expresses their inner feelings, therefore requiring them to be mindful of their feelings and provide a nonverbal way to communicate this inner experience.
Similarly, the user could choose an avatar on the robot’s screen that depicts how they feel on that day and change this as required. This encourages discussion around emotions and the fluidity of our emotions.
There is also the option of creating your own cards that go alongside the coding tiles that could be in a sequence related to social learning, such as social skills steps or various strategies to use when feeling angry, upset, and so forth. Users would need to think about what sequence to use before coding the robot to follow that sequence. KaiBot could also be used as a brain break, incentive, or game during a therapy session. This provides an opportunity to create a fun and hands-on session for young and older alike, including the therapist. It also could be useful when working with groups of children as a session could be designed to incorporate social skills with each child controlling their own robot. With some creativity, the possibilities are endless!
The best thing about KaiBot is that the price point will be feasible for most practitioners, expected to be around $100 per robot. Although the tiles are purchased separately, the online virtual platform is free, as well as printable coding cards. I hope these will be further developed to include more therapy-related cards. The developers also have created Kainundrum, a virtual platform. In Kainundrum, you can play single-player to multiplayer to solve the maze, puzzle, hide ’n seek, cube, or escape room challenges. Currently, you can access Kainundrum free—have a go; it is fun! (www.kainundrum.com).
"After having a go myself and trying out some things with my children, these robots could be a useful addition to the therapy space. They are easy to learn to use, and there is good support from the developers. With some creativity, the KaiBot could add a lot of value to therapy without breaking the bank. Check them out at
https://kaiseducation.com/"
Tracy Wakeford
Registered Clinical Psychologist with New Zealand Psychologists Board
Tracy Wakeford is a member of NZ Psychological Society, Associate Member of NZCCP, International Member of American Psychological Association, and Associate Member of EMDR NZ Association. She works in private practice in Northland, specialising in trauma as well as working with children and young people. She offers a range of services including psychological assessment, and treatment using one-to-one therapy and group programmes, as well as professional and clinical supervision and psychoeducational seminars. NZCCP 61 Vol 32(1) 2022
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