Developing a Telepresence Robot for Autism Diagnosis
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Abstract
The global COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to the healthcare industry in maintaining continuous operations while adhering to strict physical distancing protocols. Critical functions such as delivering meals to patients, supplying medical instruments, monitoring vital signs, assisting those with impaired mobility, and ensuring accurate disease diagnoses became increasingly difficult. As the world adapts to a post-pandemic reality, robots are expected to play a more prominent role by becoming more self-reliant, adaptable, and collaborative. In response to these evolving needs, the Centre for Unmanned Technologies (CUTe) at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), in collaboration with Prostrain Technologies, developed the innovative medical robot called "Medibot". Medibot, a telepresence robot, presents a promising tool for observing children's true behaviours and interactions—essential for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Equipped with a high-resolution camera, Medibot facilitates seamless video conferencing between children and experts, enabling detailed behavioural analysis during diagnostic sessions. The presence of parents beside the child enhances comfort, while the robot's non-intrusive character encourages natural responses and interactions. Compared to traditional human-led assessments, Medibot's presence is less intimidating, potentially leading to more accurate diagnoses. Medibot’s development is underpinned by a robust ROS-based software architecture, enabling autonomous navigation in complex hospital environments while avoiding static and dynamic obstacles with high operational consistency. Extensive testing has validated its mapping and navigation capabilities, ensuring smooth and predictable movements without human intervention, making the diagnostic process less intrusive and seamless. The incorporation of telepresence technology, primarily through a teleconferencing camera for live image streaming, represents a significant advancement in remote healthcare. With applications ranging from ASD diagnosis to broader medical monitoring, Medibot exemplifies the transformative potential of telepresence robotics in expanding access to specialized care and improving patient outcomes.
Manuscript received: 14 Sep 2024 | Revised: 18 Dec 2024 | Accepted: 3 Jan 2025 | Published: 31 Mar 2025
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