RoboTales: ROBOTic Anthropomorphic LEarning Systems

2026-06-24

AI Summary

This study addresses the challenge of enhancing children’s engagement and comprehension in storytelling through a low-cost, embodied robotic approach. We present a sock-puppet–based robotic storytelling system implemented on the Baxter platform, which synchronizes speech, gestures, and mouth movements in a multimodal fashion. The system employs a modular, platform-agnostic puppet actuation architecture, marking the first integration of embodied puppetry into robotic narrative delivery and offering a screen-free interactive learning experience. A pilot study demonstrates that, compared to a baseline system using gestures alone, our puppet-based storytelling significantly improves children’s HRIES scores and story recall performance, thereby validating its efficacy and potential for educational applications.

Abstract

RoboTales is a low-cost robotic storytelling system that animates narratives using expressive sock puppetry. Implemented autonomously on a Baxter robot as a test case, RoboTales synchronizes narration, gestures, and mouth movements to perform character-driven stories. In a pilot study, puppet-based storytelling outperformed a gesture-only mode, producing higher HRIES ratings and improved story recall, suggesting that embodied puppetry enhances engagement and narrative comprehension. Designed to be modular and platform-agnostic, RoboTales can be adapted to other manipulators and offers a screen-free alternative to passive media, supporting future deployment in child-centered learning environments.

Problem

• robotic storytelling
• embodied puppetry
• child-centered learning
• narrative comprehension
• screen-free interaction

Innovation

• robotic storytelling
• embodied puppetry
• expressive animation
• platform-agnostic system
• child-centered learning