When children are unable to attend school due to chronic illness, it is not just their physical health that suffers. The social isolation and separation from classmates can be just as challenging. To address this, the Norwegian company No Isolation has created the AV1 robot, designed to help these children maintain a presence in the classroom despite their absence.
The AV1 robot serves as the eyes, ears, and voice of the child, offering a way to participate in classroom activities remotely. Controlled via an app, this innovative robot allows children to stay engaged in their education and remain connected to their peers, providing both academic and emotional support.
How AV1 Works
The AV1 robot is a small, simplified version of a human torso and head, featuring a 360-degree rotating design equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker. It is placed on a classroom desk and controlled remotely by the child using a smartphone or tablet app. Through this app, the child can explore the classroom by swiping or tapping the screen, directing the robot’s movements and interactions.
Additionally, the AV1 robot allows students to raise their hand virtually by activating a light on the robot’s head, signaling their desire to participate. The robot’s eyes can also display emojis, adding an extra layer of engagement with classmates. These features help bridge the gap between the student and their peers, allowing them to remain involved in classroom discussions and activities despite their physical absence.
Widespread Use and Accessibility
Since its introduction, the AV1 robot has gained popularity in 17 countries, with over 3,000 units currently in use. The United Kingdom and Germany are the largest adopters of this technology, each accounting for over 1,000 robots in schools.
In the UK, schools can rent the AV1 for approximately £150 per month, or choose to purchase the unit outright for £3,700, with an additional annual service package costing £780. This flexible pricing structure allows schools to tailor the solution based on their budget and the long-term needs of the student.
One of the primary advantages of the AV1 is its ability to help children maintain social bonds during prolonged absences. Children using AV1 can continue to engage with their friends and classmates, avoiding the isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. In some cases, classmates even bring the robot with them to lunch, ensuring the child stays a part of the group, regardless of their physical condition.
Addressing the Challenge of Absenteeism
In the autumn of 2023/24, more than 19% of students in England were persistently absent from school, with 7.8% of those absences attributed to illness. This figure is higher than pre-pandemic levels and highlights the growing need for solutions like the AV1 robot.
Although remote learning became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, for many students, the option to continue learning from home has since been removed. AV1 offers a lifeline for students who struggle with reintegration into the classroom, allowing them to stay connected without the need for traditional remote learning solutions.
Technical Considerations and Privacy Features
While the AV1 robot has proven to be a valuable tool, its implementation does come with challenges. Some schools may face issues with weak Wi-Fi connections or mobile signal dark spots, making it difficult for the robot to function smoothly. Additionally, administrative hurdles in schools and hospitals can slow down the deployment of the technology.
To address these issues, No Isolation has launched the AV1 Academy, which provides training materials and resources to help teachers integrate the robot into their classrooms. Proper training is essential for ensuring both the technical and social aspects of the robot’s use are understood by educators.
The AV1 is also equipped with robust privacy features to protect the child’s personal information. The app used to control the robot does not collect any personal data, prevents screenshots and recordings, and uses encryption to secure the livestream. Only one device can connect to the robot at a time, and the robot’s eyes and head light up to signal when it is in active use.
Looking Ahead
As technology continues to advance, solutions like the AV1 robot are becoming increasingly important in helping students stay connected to their education, no matter their physical health. Though there are other avatar robots on the market, AV1 stands out for its practicality, portability, and ease of use, making it an effective option for schools and students alike. By providing a way for chronically ill children to remain engaged with their classmates and curriculum, AV1 is helping to combat the emotional toll of illness and absenteeism, providing hope and connection to those who need it.