A robot has been created to help sick children still participate in learning.
The Norwegian startup No Isolation has recently developed a robot that helps millions of children around the world who are ill and unable to attend school to still participate in online learning sessions with their peers.
For children undergoing long-term medical treatment or struggling with mental health issues, being away from friends and school is an immense challenge. Understanding this, the Norwegian company No Isolation created the AV1 robot, an intelligent companion for sick children who are unable to attend school.
.jpg)
The AV1 robot is designed to replace children in the classroom, allowing them to fully participate in learning activities. With its flexible movement capabilities, the robot becomes the "eyes, ears, and voice" of children, helping them observe, listen, and interact with teachers and classmates 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 don't fall behind in their studies.
AV1 is shaped like a person but only has a head and torso. AV1's head can rotate 360 degrees, allowing learners to observe every corner of the classroom. The camera on its head transmits live images to a phone, while the two "ears" (microphone and speaker) allow learners to hear the teacher's lecture and their classmates' conversations. Learners can control AV1's movement using their phone, much like driving a remote-controlled car. To ensure privacy, each learner will have a unique password to control their AV1.
Florence Salisbury, Marketing Director of No Isolation, shared: "Children can explore the classroom in a fun way by touching or swiping the AV1 screen. With just a light touch, the AV1 will rotate its head so you can see every corner of the room. They can also chat with teachers and friends as if they were sitting right in the classroom. Just press the 'raise hand' button, and the light on the AV1's head will flash to signal to the teacher. Even more fun, you can choose cheerful emojis to express your emotions, and they will appear right on the AV1's 'face'."
AV1 has become an indispensable companion for thousands of students in 17 countries around the world. With over 3,000 robots in operation, particularly in the UK and Germany, where each country has more than 1,000 robots, AV1 has proven effective in connecting young children with school. In the UK, schools can flexibly choose to rent AV1 for around $200 per month or purchase it once for $4,960 plus an annual maintenance package of $1,045.
According to Ms. Salisbury, the greatest value of the AV1 robot is its ability to help children maintain social relationships. She recounted a touching story about a 15-year-old student in Warwickshire, England. Thanks to AV1, the student was able to have lunch with friends, making them feel like they were still part of the class. This shows that AV1 is not just a learning tool, but also a bridge that helps children bridge gaps and find joy in life.
Ms. Salisbury shared: "During periods away from school, relationships with friends and teachers become incredibly important. AV1 acts as a bridge, helping children not feel lonely or lost. Especially for those facing illness, AV1 is a great source of emotional support, helping them feel like they are still part of a community."
According to the latest government statistics, the situation regarding school attendance in England is becoming alarming. Specifically, more than 19% of students will be continuously absent from school during the autumn of the 2023-2024 school year, with 7.8% due to illness, a higher figure than before the pandemic.
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 struggle to maintain the necessary infrastructure for smooth operation due to weak Wi-Fi or lost cellular 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 assisting critically ill children. The study results showed that these technologies offer enormous potential in maintaining social relationships and ensuring continuous learning for these children.
The report emphasizes that for robotics technology to reach its full potential, we need to build a comprehensive support system, including ensuring everyone has access to this technology and providing in-depth training programs for teachers. Equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge on both the technical and social issues related to robotics is crucial.
Ms. Salisbury asserted that the AV1 is designed with optimal security. The robot does not collect any personal information from users and has features to prevent unauthorized screenshots or recording. 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.
Currently, the market offers many different types of robots, from models with flexible wheels like VGo and Buddy, to those with vivid facial recognition displays. However, the AV1 has a unique and more minimalist design. Weighing only about 1kg, the AV1 doesn't need wheels and can easily fit into a specialized backpack. This allows teachers and students to easily take the AV1 anywhere they want.
Ms. Salisbury further shared that the absence of a face-display screen on the AV1 is actually an advantage. "Removing the pressure to always 'look good' in front of the camera helps students feel more comfortable participating in online learning activities, especially those who are shy about face-to-face interaction."
