Domestic Research Trends on Smart Devices and Robotic Interventions for Children with Developmental Disabilities

Objectives: This study examined domestic research trends in interventions using smart devices and robots for children with developmental disabilities, with the purpose of identifying the status of technology-based interventions and suggesting future directions.Methods: Thirty-six peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025 were analyzed. Literature was collected from RISS, KCI, DBpia, and KISS using keywords such as “developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, smart devices,” and “robot-based interventions.” Studies were included when smart devices or robots were used as direct intervention tools and the intervention effects were empirically measured. Analysis categories included publication trends, participant characteristics, research designs, and intervention methods.Results: The number of studies increased notably after 2022 and these were mainly published in special education journals. Most of the participants were elementary school-aged children with intellectual disabilities, and the sample size was generally small (one to five participants). Multiple-baseline and pre-post designs were most frequently used, with interventions often exceeding 50 sessions. School settings served as the primary intervention context and direct observation was the most common measurement method. Smartdevice interventions typically support academic skills, whereas robot-based interventions focus on communication and social interactions.Conclusion: Smart devices and robots are potential tools for supporting the development of children with developmental disabilities. However, limitations regarding participant diversity, intervention types, and eco logical validity remain. Future studies should explore broader developmental goals and expand the inter ventions to include classrooms, homes, and community contexts.