Bursa Uludağ University (BUU) is launching a new international project titled "ASSIST-AI," aimed at increasing the social participation of adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

The ASSIST-AI project (Design and Development of an AI-Supported Virtual Assistant for Social Skill Acquisition and Social Participation of Adults with Autism), created through interdisciplinary collaboration between academics from BUU's Computer Engineering Department and Special Education Department, will focus on strengthening the verbal and nonverbal communication skills of individuals with autism.

AN INTERNATIONAL CONSORTIUM WILL BE INVOLVED
Developed by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Emir Dirik, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murtaza Cicioğlu, Dr. Özge Boşnak, and Lecturer Koray Aki, the project will be carried out by an international consortium. The consortium, which will work under the coordination of the Germany-based Aspire Education Group, includes the BUU Technology Transfer Office from Türkiye, as well as expert and experienced institutions in the field such as the Sustainable Development Studies Network (Belgium), Autismo Andalucía (Spain), Institut Régional d'Insertion Professionnelle et Sociale (France), and AMAE (Portugal).

A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING PACKAGE WILL ALSO BE PREPARED FOR THOSE WORKING WITH INDIVIDUALS WITH AUTISM
The project team visited BUU Rector Prof. Dr. Ferudun Yılmaz and provided information about the studies. Speaking on behalf of the academics, Lecturer Koray Aki emphasized that the digital system to be developed will be designed according to the situations that individuals with autism may encounter in daily life. Lecturer Koray Aki stated that the virtual assistant will be culturally adaptable, include social interaction scenarios, and will be supported by artificial intelligence at the center of this content; “Furthermore, within the scope of the project, a comprehensive training package will be prepared for professionals and families working with autistic individuals. This innovative digital solution will be tested with pilot applications and finalized based on user experiences,” he said.

CONGRATULATIONS FROM RECTOR YILMAZ
Rector Prof. Dr. Ferudun Yılmaz, who congratulated the entire project team for their comprehensive work, also expressed his satisfaction. Highlighting the importance of the project's emergence through interdisciplinary collaboration, Rector Yılmaz stated that he believes ASSIST-AI will pioneer innovative and accessible solutions for individuals with special needs.