For children who are chronically ill and unable to attend school, isolation from friends and the classroom can be as debilitating as their physical condition. Norwegian company No Isolation is addressing this challenge with the AV1 robot, a telepresence solution that enables young patients to participate in class remotely, using a simple app to control the robot, which acts as their eyes, ears, and voice.

The AV1 robot, a simplified head and torso equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, is placed on a desk in the classroom and controlled by the child using a unique app. This allows students to engage in lessons, interact with their classmates, and even “raise their hand” via the robot.

The main benefit of AV1 lies in its ability to maintain critical social connections. For children facing long absences due to serious illness or mental health struggles, remaining in touch with friends and their school environment can offer emotional stability and a sense of normalcy. In one example from the UK, a student’s classmates bring the AV1 robot to lunch, helping him remain part of their social circle.

The AV1 robots are now used in 17 countries, with the largest deployments in the UK and Germany. Schools can rent the robot for around £150 per month or purchase it for approximately £3,700, with optional service packages. While some schools face technical challenges, such as weak Wi-Fi, the robots have proven to be an essential tool for keeping students connected to both their education and social lives.