How do typically developing children and children with autism perceive different social robots?

This study investigates the way children categorize different robots and their preferences for certain robots. For this aim, a matching pictures game in which 6 social robots are to be matched to one of the categories: machines, humans, animals and toys, was developed and implemented on a tablet device. A mixed factorial design with one within-subjects variable (type of robots) and two between-subjects variables (type of development and gender) was used. The data suggest that both TO and ASD children perceive robots mainly as toys, while children with ASD also perceive robots as machines. A high diversity of preferences for different robots was revealed, but also a high preference for simplified designs, with exaggerated facial features. This study provides an innovative instrument for studying children's perception about social robots, and offers valuable information, with implications on the design of social robots. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.