# Balancing Toddler Boards The Wii Balance Board-Controlled Robot Helps Disabled Children Move By Josh Milenthal | Published 2010-08-31 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balance-board-controlled-robot References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/wii-balance-board-controlled-robot-a-hit-with-toddlers-in-ithaca/) & [cornell.academia.edu](http://cornell.academia.edu/madsesmith/Papers/251755/Infant-Control-of-a-Mobile-Robot) In aiming to mobilize [infants with disabilities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/assistive-mobility-technologies), the Ithaca College Tots on Bots program has produced the Wii Balance Board-Controlled Robot. The robot allows young children to sit on top of it and control it simply by leaning. The Wii Balance Board-Controlled Robot also comes with sonar to avoid crashing into objects. Further, this [robotic piece](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheeled-robotic-aid) also has a remote control that allows adults to take charge of the robot if needed. **Implications** - It's amazing that we live in a day and age where [video game consoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boardrop) are becoming the template by which we can produce commodities that benefit the less fortunate. If the Wii Balance Board-controlled robot is any indication, the future is bright. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 14% | Activity: 42% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Assistive Robotics:** The development of assistive robots for children with disabilities could revolutionize rehabilitation and support industries. - **Gesture-based Controls:** The use of gesture-based controls, such as the Wii Balance Board, could have disruptive applications in healthcare and rehabilitation technology. - **Child-friendly Technology:** As more technology is designed with children's needs in mind, there is a potential for innovation in education and pediatric healthcare fields. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare:** Assistive robotics and gesture-based controls have disruptive potential in physical therapy and rehabilitation fields. - **Education:** Child-friendly technology could revolutionize the way children learn and interact with educational materials. - **Pediatric Care:** The development of child-friendly assistive technology has potential disruptive applications in pediatric healthcare and rehabilitation fields. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robotic Movement-Interpreting Wheelchairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honda-unione.md) - [Autism-Focused Training Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/movia.md) - [Walking-Assist Wearable Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wim-kids.md) - [Friendly Robotic Wheelchair Caregivers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheelchair-robot-concept.md) - [Accessible Mobility Rehabilitations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobility-rehabilitation.md) - [Adaptive Mobility Scooters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wimo-scooter.md) - [AI-Powered Balance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-project-moab.md) - [Urban Mobility Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uni-one.md) - [Self-Balancing Baby Bikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woom-wow.md)