Researchers at the University of Birmingham’s Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER), in partnership with LuxAI and the Luxembourg Institute of Health, are conducting a pioneering study to explore how a specially designed robot, QTrobot, could help parents support autistic children in developing communication and social skills.

For the first time in research, families taking part will be given their own QTrobot to use at home for ten months, giving them the chance to see how the technology fits into daily life. The robot features learning activities specifically designed for early childhood development, focusing on areas that autistic children often find challenging, including understanding and using language, social interaction, and cognitive skills.

The study is open to families with children aged two and a half to four years and nine months, with diagnosed or suspected autism in the West Midlands and surrounding areas. The project aims not only to understand the impact of QTrobot on children’s development, but also to explore how it can boost parents’ confidence and knowledge in supporting their child’s learning at home.

Professor Karen Guldberg, Head of the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, said:
‘Access to high-quality early support is still limited for many families across the world. By combining research excellence and emerging technology, this study could pave the way for engaging early support for autistic children and their families.’

Dr Barbara Sandland and Dr Becky Bartram, who are leading the research, describe the study as a unique opportunity for families. ‘We’re excited to see how QTrobot can make early support more accessible and engaging for families,’ they said.

Parents who have already started using the robot describe it as a valuable tool for understanding their child’s reactions, helping them feel more confident in daily routines, and providing a consistent, predictable source of learning and interaction. 

One parent, Emiliya, said:
‘For me, the process of introducing QTrobot has been incredibly valuable. It’s helping us understand how my son responds to new things, how he adjusts, and what helps him feel safe. Sometimes the journey is just as important as the end goal.’

Families interested in taking part can contact the research team to find out more and register at qtrobot@contacts.bham.ac.uk. Recruitment for the study closes at the end of February 2026.

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