Bio-Algorithms and Med-Systems 2016; 12(3): 93–98 *Corresponding author: Tomasz Komendziński, Department of Cognitive Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland, E-mail: tkomen@umk.pl; and Neurocognitive Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland Emilia Mikołajewska: Neurocognitive Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; and Department of Physiotherapy, Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medium in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland Dariusz Mikołajewski: Neurocognitive Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; Institute of Mechanics and Applied Computer Sciences, Kazimierz Wielki Universit, Bydgoszcz, Poland; and Department of Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland Joanna Dreszer and Bibianna Bałaj: Department of Cognitive Science, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland; and Neurocognitive Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Center for Modern Technologies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland Review Tomasz Komendziński*, Emilia Mikołajewska, Dariusz Mikołajewski, Joanna Dreszer and Bibianna Bałaj Cognitive robots in the development and rehabilitation of children with developmental disorders DOI 10.1515/bams-2016-0010 Received May 11, 2016; accepted June 10, 2016; previously published online July 12, 2016 Abstract: Cognitive robots constitute a highly interdisci- plinary approach to the issue of therapy of children with developmental disorders. Cognitive robots become more popular, especially in action and language integration areas, joining the experience of psychologists, neurosci- entists, philosophers, and even engineers. The concept of a robot as a cognitive companion for humans may be very useful. The interaction between humans and cog- nitive robots may be a mediator of movement patterns, learning behaviors from demonstrations, group activi- ties, and social behaviors, as far as higher-order concepts such as symbol manipulation capabilities, words acquisi- tion, and sensorimotor knowledge organization. Moreo- ver there is an occupation to check many theories, such as transferring the knowledge and skills between humans and robots. Although several robotic solutions for chil- dren have been proposed the diffusion of aforementioned ideas is still limited. The review summarizes the current and future role of cognitive robots in the development and rehabilitation of children with developmental disorders. Keywords: cognitive flexibility; cognitive toy; develop- mental disorders; intelligent therapeutic tool; robot-child interaction; social robot; therapy. Introduction Developmental disorders in children are characterized by a delay of developmental skills expected to achieve in a particular age or developmental stage. Cognitive robots can be a promising therapeutic method for the treatment of developmental disorders. Robot-based interactions supporting therapy in such children become more and more popular. Robots are used as therapeutic tools useful in the therapy of the various developmental disorders as mediators of movement patterns, group activities, and social behaviors. There is no doubt that a deeper research is needed in the aforementioned area, especially based on interdisciplinary scientific and therapeutic teams and evi- dence-based medicine (EBM) paradigm. This article aims to assess the current and future role of cognitive robots in the development and rehabilitation of children with developmental disorders. Skills and limitations Observing the activities of other people to pick up a new movement is a common way of acquiring new skills during the development. This process is supported by an action-perception matching mechanism, applied also in the clinical context, as rehabilitative training based on a combination of action perception and execution (e.g. in children with hemiplegia due to cerebral palsy). Brought to you by | UCL - University College London Authenticated Download Date | 12/14/16 11:54 AM