For children facing chronic illnesses, missing school often means more than just falling behind academically—it also means losing social connections with classmates and teachers. To help bridge that gap, Norwegian company No Isolation has developed the AV1 robot, designed to help kids who are unable to physically attend school remain a part of the classroom experience.

The AV1 robot acts as a child’s stand-in, equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, allowing the student to see, hear, and interact with their classmates and teachers remotely. Controlled via an app, the child can move the robot’s head, communicate through it, and even “raise their hand” by triggering a light to flash on the robot’s head. The AV1 offers an engaging way for students to participate in class discussions and stay in touch with their peers, despite not being physically present.

Florence Salisbury, marketing director for No Isolation, explains how the robot helps students feel involved: “They can tap or swipe their screen to change the robot’s view of the classroom. The robot’s eyes can also display emojis, making it more interactive.”

Currently, there are about 3,000 AV1 units in use across 17 countries, with the largest number in the UK and Germany, where over 1,000 robots are helping children stay connected to their schools. Schools in the UK can rent the robot for approximately £150 (about $200) a month or purchase it outright for £3,700 (around $4,960), with an annual service package available for £780 (about $1,045).

One of the AV1’s key benefits, according to Salisbury, is its ability to help students maintain social relationships. She shared a touching story of a student in England who, despite being homebound, stays connected to friends who bring the AV1 robot along during lunch breaks, allowing him to still feel part of the group.

In England, where more than 19% of students were consistently absent from school in autumn 2023/24, many due to illness, solutions like AV1 are becoming increasingly valuable. While remote learning gained prominence during the pandemic, many students who now struggle to reintegrate into traditional classrooms are finding the AV1 robot helpful in making the transition smoother.

Charitable organizations are also embracing the technology. The UK’s Chartwell Cancer Trust, for instance, has a fleet of 25 AV1 robots available to children with serious health conditions. Michael Douglas, a founding trustee, praised the robots for keeping young patients engaged with school, even while they’re in intensive care. “They make the child feel important,” he noted, adding that parents also appreciate the support.

Despite its advantages, getting the AV1 system up and running can be a challenge. Douglas admitted that navigating administrative hurdles and ensuring schools have the necessary technical setup, such as strong Wi-Fi, can sometimes be an obstacle.

Ultimately, the AV1 robot is proving to be a powerful tool in keeping children connected to their education and peers during long periods of absence, helping them maintain both academic progress and a sense of belonging.

Source
Photo Source: No Isolation