Kiki: designing a socially assistive robot with Bangla augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for children with mild to moderate (levels 1 and 2) autism

Abstract

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in low-resource settings often do not have access to engaging, culturally relevant therapeutic tools. This paper introduces “Kiki,” a Socially Assistive Robot developed as a communication and educational companion for Bangla-speaking children, including level 1 and 2 ASD children (nonverbal and minimally verbal). Kiki was created in close collaboration with local therapists, with a culturally responsive approach at its core. It consists of a touchscreen Bangla Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) interface inspired by the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). Kiki uses this interface, featuring daily quiz learning and empathetic, AI-driven interactions, to provide a supportive environment for children to build vocabulary, express emotions, and practice social communication. A thorough evaluation in several autism centers in Dhaka showed strong acceptance and engagement. Therapists praised the robot’s easy-to-use Bangla interface, while children formed a special bond with Kiki, showing increased focus and motivation during sessions. As a proof of concept made for a fraction of the cost of commercial robots, Kiki provides a caring and scalable model for helping children with ASD in diverse linguistic communities around the world.