LASIGE researchers Isabel Neto, João Bimbo, Tiago Guerreiro (integrated members), and Filipa Rocha and Hugo Simão (PhD students) have successfully obtained funding for their initiative, SoftEdIBO – Touch-based robot for inclusive education, selected under the FCT Exploratory Projects programme.

SoftEdIBO aims to pioneer new soft robots to foster inclusion in mixed-ability groups using touch-based robots. The project will examine the impact of shared, personal, and separate surfaces using three soft robots, Touchibo Turtle, Tree, and Swarm. Touchibo Turtle features a shared surface, while Tree offers personal touchable leaves. Swarm will feature separate surfaces, enabling distinct yet interconnected group interactions.

With this project, the team seeks to foster more inclusive school environments by using robotic touch as a medium to support participation, belonging while valuing each child’s voice. SoftEdIBO targets the inclusion of minority and vulnerable groups within classroom dynamics, such as enhancing interaction between children with and without disabilities, or between native and migrant children with differing levels of Portuguese language proficiency.

Have a look at this video!