When children face long-term illness, the physical toll is often just the beginning. The emotional impact of being separated from friends and the school environment can weigh heavily on young minds. For children unable to attend school due to chronic illness or mental health challenges, a solution has emerged that bridges the gap between home and the classroom: the AV1 robot.
Connecting Classrooms Through Technology
Norwegian tech company No Isolation has developed the AV1, a small, humanoid robot that allows children to participate in class remotely. The AV1 robot, which resembles a simplified human figure, is equipped with a 360-degree rotating camera, microphone, and speaker. By controlling the device from home via an app, children can attend lessons in real time, seeing and hearing everything in the classroom. The app, secured with a unique password, allows the student to virtually interact with their teacher and classmates, even raising their hand to ask questions or express themselves using emoji-like features that appear in the robot’s eyes.
Florence Salisbury, marketing director for No Isolation, explained how the AV1 system keeps children engaged: “They can swipe or tap on the app to move the robot’s view and communicate with the teacher or their peers. It keeps them present even when they can’t physically be there.”
A Growing Lifeline for Absent Students
Currently, there are over 3,000 AV1 robots in use across 17 countries, with the majority found in the UK and Germany. Schools in the UK can either rent the device for around £150 per month or purchase one outright for £3,700. An optional annual service package is available for £780, ensuring the system remains functional and supported.
For many children, the AV1 robot offers more than just a way to follow lessons — it helps them maintain important social bonds. In Warwickshire, England, a 15-year-old student with chronic illness has his robot accompany his friends to lunch, ensuring he remains part of the group. “That connection can be a lifeline for students who are away from school for extended periods, especially those with medical conditions,” Salisbury noted.
The Impact of Persistent Absences
The need for such technology is evident. Government statistics show that more than 19% of students in England were persistently absent in the autumn term of 2023/24, with 7.8% missing school due to illness. These figures have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. While remote learning was a necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s no longer widely available, leaving students who struggle to reintegrate into the classroom at a disadvantage.
Addressing the Challenges
The AV1 robot was launched before the pandemic, but its utility in helping students reconnect has become increasingly apparent. Some schools have adopted the technology for children struggling to reintegrate after long absences, and organisations like the UK’s Chartwell Cancer Trust are also embracing it. Michael Douglas, a founding trustee of the charity, explained that their supply of AV1 robots allows seriously ill children to stay engaged with school, even from intensive care units. “The robots make a real difference. They make the child feel important,” he said.
Despite the clear benefits, there are some obstacles to widespread adoption. Administrative hurdles and technological challenges, such as weak Wi-Fi signals in certain areas, can hinder the smooth operation of the robots.
Training and Accessibility
To overcome some of these issues, No Isolation has introduced AV1 Academy, a resource library designed to provide technical support and training for teachers. Research published in Frontiers in Digital Health highlights the high potential of avatar robots like the AV1 to keep children connected, but it also emphasises the need for equal access to these technologies and appropriate teacher training.
According to Salisbury, the AV1 robot was designed with privacy in mind. The app encrypts all communication, and no personal data is collected. Only one device can control the robot at any given time, and its eyes light up to indicate when it’s in use. Unlike some other robots on the market, such as VGo and Buddy, which can move around on wheels and display a user’s face on a screen, the AV1 remains stationary and doesn’t require the child to be on camera. This can be especially beneficial for students dealing with anxiety or emotional challenges.
A Path Forward
While some schools may struggle with the technical requirements of using AV1, the benefits it offers to children who are physically or emotionally unable to attend school are undeniable. By providing a tangible link to their education and social network, the AV1 robot is helping sick children remain connected and engaged, giving them a vital sense of inclusion during a difficult time.
In an increasingly digital world, this little robot is making a big difference.
