When a Child Can’t Go to School, a Robot Goes Instead: How AV1 Is Redefining Classroom Presence

If a child cannot attend school due to illness, a robot can now mark attendance, interact with classmates, and even join school picnics. This is no scene from a science-fiction movie, but a real innovation transforming education across the world.

Norway-based technology company No Isolation has developed a unique telepresence robot called AV1, designed especially for school-going children who are unable to attend classes because of long-term illness or medical conditions. The robot acts as the student’s physical presence in the classroom, ensuring that learning and social connections continue uninterrupted.

A Robot That Represents the Student

The AV1 robot literally goes to school on behalf of the child. Placed on a desk in the classroom, it connects to the student through a secure mobile application. From home or even a hospital bed, the child can attend live classes via encrypted audio and video streaming. Though physically absent, the student remains actively present in the classroom environment.

Small in Size, Big in Impact

AV1 is compact and lightweight—approximately 12 inches tall and weighing just 1.5 kilograms (3.3 pounds)—making it easy to carry in a school bag. Its minimal design ensures it blends naturally into the classroom without distraction.

Two-Way Interaction in Real Time

Equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, the robot allows students to see, hear, and speak with teachers and classmates in real time. Two built-in motors enable the robot’s head to move up, down, and rotate up to 360 degrees, allowing students to look around the classroom just as they would in person.

Beyond the Classroom Walls

AV1 is not limited to classrooms alone. With 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity, the robot can accompany classmates to the lunch hall, playground, school trips, and other activities. This helps children maintain friendships and feel included in everyday school life despite long absences.

Addressing a Growing Global Concern

The need for such innovation is significant. In 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared loneliness a global public health concern. During the same year, more than 19% of students in England were reported to be persistently absent from school. No Isolation developed AV1 to address this overlooked crisis of absenteeism and social isolation among children.

The company’s mission is clear: to ensure that no child is excluded from learning or a sense of belonging due to circumstances beyond their control.

A Proven Global Solution

Currently, more than 3,500 AV1 units are active across 18 countries, helping thousands of children stay connected to their education and peers.

As technology and empathy come together, robots like AV1 are not replacing students—they are empowering them. In a world where physical presence is sometimes impossible, AV1 ensures that learning, friendship, and inclusion never stop.