From theory to practice: virtual children as platforms for research and training

This paper examines two virtual child simulators, BabyX and the virtual reality (VR) Baby Training Tool, which serve as immersive and interactive platforms for child-centered research and training. These technologies help overcome key ethical and practical constraints, enabling the controlled study of caregiver-infant interactions and the cultivation of professional relational skills with young children. We analyze the design, functionalities, and current applications of these tools, as well as their potential future developments, highlighting their capacity to advance empirical research and enhance training methodologies in child-focused disciplines.