Interactive Robot Game Boosts Kids' Handwashing Habits: Study Shows Promising Results

January 14, 2025
Interactive Robot Game Boosts Kids' Handwashing Habits: Study Shows Promising Results
  • The study was structured into two experimental conditions: 'With-Nudges', where HakshE provided visual and verbal prompts, and 'Without-Nudges', where the robot remained passive unless assistance was requested.

  • HakshE, designed to resemble a soap dispenser, utilized an LCD screen to display emotional expressions while engaging children about hand hygiene.

  • A recent study explored the effectiveness of a gaming platform designed to teach children proper hand hygiene through interactive gameplay with a social robot named HakshE.

  • Grounded in nudge theory, the research aimed to assess how repeated nudges from the robot could lead to positive behavior changes, particularly improved handwashing habits.

  • A total of 32 children aged 6 to 10 participated in the study, which was conducted online via Zoom due to school closures during the Covid-19 pandemic.

  • The game consists of three levels: a matching level for hand parts, a word puzzle for hygiene vocabulary, and a picture ordering level for the WHO's six steps of handwashing.

  • Results indicated a significant increase in children's recall of handwashing steps and knowledge of the recommended duration for handwashing after gameplay.

  • Both boys and girls demonstrated equal learning outcomes from the platform, although girls showed significantly higher interaction levels with the robot.

  • Researchers maintained a hands-off approach during the game to minimize bias, only intervening for technical issues.

  • Future research plans include an in-person study to further evaluate social engagement cues and assess long-term impacts on behavior change.

  • The study received ethical approval from the Clinical Trials Registry of India and adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki, ensuring confidentiality and informed consent.

  • The project was guided by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi and funded by AMMACHI Labs, highlighting collaborative efforts in developing this educational tool.

Summary based on 6 sources


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