Tiny lifeline robot with 360° rotation comforts sick school kids in UK

The AV1 telepresence robot, developed by Norwegian tech company No Isolation, enables children with long-term illnesses or medical conditions to remotely attend school and stay socially connected with classmates. Measuring about 12 inches tall and weighing 3.3 pounds, the robot is controlled via a secure mobile app that streams encrypted audio and video, allowing students to see, hear, and interact with their classroom in real time. Its 360-degree rotating head and visual indicators help students express emotions and virtually participate, such as raising their hand, providing ongoing access to lessons and fostering a sense of belonging despite physical absence. Designed to address rising student absenteeism—over 19% of students in England were persistently absent in 2023—the AV1 robot goes beyond formal lessons by enabling mobility throughout the school, including lunch halls and playgrounds, helping maintain friendships and social engagement. No Isolation collaborates with local authorities to deploy the robots at scale, with over 3,500 units active in 18 countries. Early