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The Center for Artificial Intelligence at King Khalid University embraces AI-driven innovation by using and creating advanced digital technologies to help fulfill Vision 2030 objectives. With that as the main driver, Nada Saeed Al-Qahtani, student and inventor at the College of Computer Science at King Khalid University, developed a robot called "Eve". Eve is tailored to students with Down Syndrome, being equipped with machine learning curriculum adaptations that make completing tasks easier.
His Excellency, King Khalid University Rector Prof. Falleh Al-Solamy, thanked Nada and her supervisor for the project, indicating that she developed an excellent model in scientific research and innovation. Rector Al-Solamy then stressed the university's strong interest in supporting all projects and ideas that will help to achieve Vision 2030.
Inventor Nada Al-Qahtani said: "The idea of the project was based on the diversity of students' levels in the classes and their different abilities. We needed a new teaching method for individual differences that robot-assisted learning could solve. This method benefits children with learning difficulties and children with Down syndrome in particular. Much of the work students need to complete is delivered through visual content, self-learning, graphics, stimulating sounds, and immediate responses. The ability of students to manage their own learning and interact socially with students in a way similar to the interaction of teachers with their students is how we were able to successfully accomplish our goal."
Nada then explained that the robot system depends on artificial intelligence techniques to be able to recognize students and distinguish sounds. She also noted that this will allow the robot to respond and give correct feedback. Of note, the robot system consists of five basic units: teaching mathematics, numbers, reading, listening and solving puzzles.
Furthermore, an app connected to the robot system has been created so that parents can follow up and facilitate the identification of the child by the robot. It will also enable parents to see their child's progress by sending the results of the tasks that have been completed.
"The project, which was built using a 3D printer, aims to help children with Down syndrome to build and develop their emotional intelligence, cognitive and behavior skills through interactive activities and puzzle-solving. It also provides an opportunity for children to participate in learning, playing, communicating and making friends. I designed the robot structure, engines, an interactive screen, discrimination of sound and image, and an application to monitor student performance. This allows all student interactions to be uploaded to a special platform automatically," said Nada.
Nada expressing her thanks to the project supervisor, the Center for Artificial Intelligence, the College of Computer Science, and the university administration for their support in building her knowledge and skill capabilities. Center for Artificial Intelligence Director, Dr. Salem Alelyani, who also served at the project supervisor, explained that artificial intelligence aims to solve the social, educational, industrial, and medical problems facing the world today by enabling the machines to work with high cognitive capabilities that match human capabilities.
Dr. Alelyani said: "One of the biggest educational challenges today is how to teach special-needs students in ways that help them to increase their educational integration, comprehension, and communication skills. Monitoring interactions in an innovative way is also of great importance. Nada Al-Qahtani made the entire design and applied best practices. She showed her excellent technical and personal skills."
Vice Rector of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research, Prof. Saad Al-Amri, thanked Nada Al-Qahtani for her outstanding project, stressing that such projects reflect the university's concerns in applied researches with scientific outcomes that lead to achieving Vision 2030. He noted that supporting these projects is one of the most important roles of the university and the Center of Artificial Intelligence. "We expect more high-value, multi-field applied research projects by the Center for Artificial Intelligence in cooperation with the College of Computer Science, the College of Engineering, the College of Applied Medical Sciences, and the College of Humanities," he concluded.
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