Robots help sick children still participate in learning

For children who are going through long-term medical conditions or struggling with mental health issues, being away from their friends and classrooms can be a huge challenge. Understanding that, the Norwegian company No Isolation has created the AV1 robot, an intelligent companion for sick children who cannot go to school.

AV1 robots are designed to replace children in the classroom, helping them to fully participate in learning activities. With the ability to move flexibly, the robot will become the "eyes, ears and voice" of children, helping them observe, listen and interact with teachers and friends as if they were actually present in the classroom. Thanks to AV1, children not only reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety but also have the opportunity to maintain social connections, ensuring they do not fall behind in the learning process.

AV1 looks like a person but only has a head and body. AV1's head can rotate 360 ​​degrees, helping learners observe every corner of the classroom. The eye (camera) on the head will transmit images directly to the phone, and the two ears (microphone, speaker) will help learners hear the teacher's voice and the voices of friends talking. Learners can control AV1 to move with their phone, just like driving a remote control car. To ensure privacy, each learner will have a separate password to control their AV1.

Ms. Florence Salisbury - Marketing Director of No Isolation shared: "Children can explore the classroom in an interesting way by touching or swiping the screen of AV1. With just a light touch, AV1 will rotate its head so you can see every corner of the room. Children can also chat with teachers and friends as if they were sitting in the classroom. Just press the "raise hand" button, the light on AV1's head will flash to signal to the teacher. More interestingly, you can choose funny emoticons to express your emotions, they will appear right on AV1's "face".

AV1 has become an indispensable companion for thousands of students in 17 countries around the world. With more than 3,000 robots in operation, especially in the UK and Germany, where each country has more than 1,000 robots, AV1 has proven effective in connecting children to school. In the UK, schools can flexibly choose to rent AV1 for around £150 per month or buy it once for £4,960 with an annual maintenance package of £1,045.

According to Ms. Salisbury, the greatest value of the AV1 robot is helping children maintain social relationships. She recounted a touching story about a 15-year-old student in Warwickshire, England. Thanks to AV1, he was taken to lunch with his friends, making him feel like he was still part of the class. This shows that AV1 is not only a learning tool but also a bridge to help children overcome distances and find joy in life.

Ms Salisbury shared: "During the time away from school, relationships with friends and teachers become extremely important. AV1 is like a bridge, helping children not feel lonely and lost. Especially for those facing illness, AV1 is also a great source of spiritual encouragement, helping them feel that they are still part of the community."

According to the latest government statistics, the situation of students absent from school in England is becoming alarming. Specifically, more than 19% of students will be absent continuously in the autumn of 2023-2024, of which 7.8% are due to illness, higher than the pre-pandemic level.

The AV1 is more than just a device, it’s a companion that helps students feel like they’re still part of the classroom. However, some schools may also struggle to maintain the technical infrastructure needed to operate smoothly due to weak Wi-Fi or lost mobile signals.

A new study published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Digital Health evaluated the effectiveness of robots such as AV1 used in Germany and OriHime used in Japan in supporting critically ill children. The results showed that these technologies have great potential in maintaining social relationships and ensuring continuity of learning for children.

The report stresses that for robotics to reach its full potential, we need to build a comprehensive support system, including ensuring everyone has access to the technology and providing dedicated training for teachers. It is crucial to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge about both the technical and social issues related to robotics.

Ms. Salisbury asserted that the AV1 is designed with optimal security. The robot does not collect any personal information from users and has features that prevent unauthorized screenshots or recordings. To ensure privacy, all data is encrypted and only one device can connect to the robot at a time. Additionally, indicator lights on the robot's head and eyes make it easy for users to know when the robot is in use.

There are many different types of robots on the market today, from flexible wheeled models like VGo and Buddy, to models with animated user faces. However, AV1 has a unique and minimalist design. Weighing only about 1kg, AV1 does not need wheels and can still be easily carried in a specialized backpack. This allows teachers and students to flexibly carry AV1 anywhere they want.

The lack of a face-recognition screen on the AV1 is actually a plus, Salisbury added. “Removing the pressure to always ‘look good’ in front of the camera makes students feel more comfortable participating in online learning activities, especially those who are shy about face-to-face communication.”