Effectiveness of Robot-Mediated Learning in Fostering Children’s Social and Cognitive Development

Abstract

Engaging with social robots has been recognized as potentially beneficial for children facing social communication challenges, especially in developing skills such as joint attention. This systematic review examines the effectiveness of robot-mediated learning in enhancing children’s cognitive abilities, emotional resilience, and self-confidence, based on an analysis of research conducted between 2018 and 2025. While social robots show promise in delivering personalized and engaging educational experiences, challenges such as emotional dependence, accessibility, and ethical concerns persist. The review concludes that further research, particularly longitudinal studies and cross-cultural comparisons, is necessary to fully understand the long-term impacts of robot-mediated learning on children’s cognitive and social development. It explores the application of robotic technology in relation to children’s educational progress across different age groups. The review includes studies of various types, such as experimental, non-experimental, and research articles, covering diverse research fields, robots, contexts of use, target audiences, and outcomes. The findings highlight the growing potential of social robots to support children’s cognitive development by providing interactive and stimulating learning experiences. This review offers valuable insights for researchers and designers aiming to improve robotic interventions and tailor them to meet diverse developmental needs and educational settings.