University of Birmingham researchers test robot to support autistic children at home
QT Robot is being used in a 10-month study with families of young children to explore early learning, communication and parent confidence
Researchers at the University of Birmingham are using a small humanoid robot, known as QT Robot, as part of a study supporting young autistic children and those with autistic profiles in their own homes.
The robot is being trialled by research fellows Dr Rebecca Bartram and Dr Barbara Sandland, who are working with families of children aged around two-and-a-half to five, based on the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. The study focuses on early communication, shared attention, social skills and language development, with parents leading activities in a familiar home environment rather than a school setting.
QT Robot can speak, move its arms, make sounds, display simple emotions and respond consistently during activities shown on a linked tablet. Parents can also programme it to say specific phrases, for example to support routines like tidying up or mealtimes. Researchers say autistic children involved in the study often show strong engagement with the robot, which offers predictable interactions without additional sensory input.
Families taking part are given a robot to use at home for up to 10 months and receive a personalised curriculum tailored to their child’s needs. Researchers collect data at different stages of the study and also gather regular feedback from parents about their experiences, including small but meaningful changes in attention, interaction and communication.
The project does not require a formal autism diagnosis. Children who are awaiting assessment or who show autistic characteristics can also take part, reflecting long waiting times for diagnosis and limited early intervention support. The robot does not record video or audio, and researchers say it is designed to be safe and simple to use in the home.
The team is aiming to recruit around 70 families across Birmingham and the wider region, including Staffordshire and Shropshire. Researchers say the study is intended to better understand whether home-based, robot-supported learning can benefit both children and parents, and how it could inform future support for families.