Unlocking the Potential of Social Robot Pepper: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Child-Robot Interaction

This study aimed to examine the child-robot interaction characteristics relevant to the use of robot Pepper as a new tool in neurorehabilitation. The study was conducted at the Children's Clinic of Tartu University Hospital and involved 89 children (aged 4-16 years): 39 healthy children and 50 children with neurological disorders. Forty-nine children interacted with Pepper directly, whereas 40 interacted via video. Interaction was assessed through therapists' observations, self-ratings, and a survey based on four sociocultural concepts. Children quickly engaged with Pepper (M = 2.0 s), and 93.8% maintained eye contact throughout the entire interaction. The children found the robot friendly, thoughtful, intelligent, and safe. Children with neurological disorders perceived Pepper as twice as safe and more anthropomorphic. Communication via video showed less gesticulation and more static postures compared with those of direct interaction (55.9% vs. 80%, respectively). Pepper's anthropomorphic design enhances acceptance and is a potential tool for developing children's social skills.