Interactive Robot Game Boosts Kids' Handwashing Habits: Study Shows Promising Results
January 14, 2025
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.
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