Combined Strategy of Machine Vision with a Robotic Assistant for Nail Biting Prevention

Nail biting or onychophagia is a body-focused repetitive behavior that is especially prevalent in the younger population of children and adolescents. The behavior produces negative physical and psychological effects on individuals who exhibit onychophagia. Therapy for nail biting involves awareness from the subject which requires constant effort from third parties. This research project utilized a commercial robotic toy in combination with a machine vision system based on image processing to deliver a new strategy to prevent nail biting. The machine vision system recognized nail biting using a webcam in the computer which communicated to the toy robot to alert the subject. The implementation is validated with a user case study obtaining reduction in episode occurrences and duration.