AV1 robots
Breaking down the isolation impact of childhood cancer
The AV1 robot project was put in place to support children facing childhood cancer, as a result these children were facing prolonged periods of time away from school in isolation, alone and in hospital. This isolation can affect a child’s development, both emotionally and physically.
The team at the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust developed a 5-year project which would help to give children isolated as a result of cancer in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire a ‘window’ to the outside world and their friends, through the use of an avatar robot called an AV1.
The AV1 allows children in a hospital bed to ‘be in the classroom’ and interact with their class in real time. It does this by using avatar technology to live stream into the classroom and allow the child to respond to their teacher and friends from their hospital bed.
The Trust is unable to change the child’s diagnosis but giving them some hope and social contact whilst they are fighting their illness can help to make a real, tangible difference.
How it works
From home, hospital, or even another room at school, the student participates in class through the AV1 app.
The AV1 robot has a camera, microphone and speaker. It sits on the students desk, and through an app they can see, hear and speak through it. They can turn it to view every corner of the classroom, and raise their hand if they want to ask or answer a question. The interaction gives a feeling of really being there.
A blue light on its head indicates ‘passive mode’ – when the student is not up to participating. This means they can join the class on their terms, even when unwell.
You can take the AV1 robot anywhere: classrooms, playgrounds, school trips. All it needs is an internet connection – either WiFi or an included 4G sim. This enables small everyday interactions and check-ins that go beyond simply watching a lesson over video.
The AV1 robot is a blank slate. Students can name it, decorate it, whatever makes it feel like the person it represents. After the initial introduction, AV1 integrates in the same way as any another classmate.
No Isolation
The AV1 robots come from a company called No Isolation .
At No Isolation, they aim to make difficult life transitions a little easier for people affected by isolation.
Long-term absence puts students at risk of loneliness and social isolation. No Isolation researches these issues and believes that inclusive technology can solve them.
AV1 is a telepresence robot that ensures no student misses a class, break time or conversation with friends. It is more than remote learning – it is the next best thing to being there in person.
