Named Abel, it resembles a 12-year-old boy and is a humanoid robot capable of harnessing artificial intelligence and managing it within a social context, considering the emotions of its interlocutors. Abel is designed to empathically relate with patients suffering from neurodevelopmental and neurodivergence disorders, with the aim of better understanding human cognitive and emotional processes.
The creators
The creators![]()
Abel was created by bioengineers from the University of Pisa and Gustav Hegel, an FX artist from the company Biomimic, to read human emotions. Abel was created with the aim of becoming a companion for people with autism or Alzheimer’s disease. In these photos, Abel interacts with Lorenzo Cominelli, technologist and team leader at the University of Pisa.
Humanoid robot
Humanoid robot
Abel is equipped with a new-generation head, torso, arms, hands, 42 servomotors and a visual-social perception system, which is essential for the recognition of facial expressions
Continuous improvement
Continuous improvement![]()
Abel has the ability to respond appropriately to the patient’s expressions and emotions, continuously improving his or her empathic skills. This process is of great use in treating individuals with problems in understanding and expressing emotions.
Algorithm
Algorithm
Thanks to the new AI algorithm, Emotion (developed by Emotiva), the humanoid robot is able to understand emotions: the algorithm is 60% more accurate than the reference levels used in the world of robotics. Another field of possible application of the new technology is the one of dementia.
Joint commitment
Joint commitment![]()
