Robot helps Sheffield boy with distant learning after undergoing heart surgery

After undergoing a heart surgery two months ago, a 7-year-old boy from Sheffield had to continue learning from home although all his classmates returned to physical learning on March 8.
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But thanks to the wonders of technology, Marlcliffe Primary School's pupil Harry Copley never missed a single day of school as his distant learning was assisted by an AV1 robot that takes his place in the classroom.

The AV1 robot is a distance learning avatar that allows children and young adults with long-term illness to take part at school via an app on their phone or tablet as the robot becomes the child's eyes, ears and voice in the classroom.

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The technology was provided by Becton School for children who are too unwell to attend school whether that be due to a medical condition, operation or due to their mental health.

Harry's mum, Sarah Copley said Harry has been suffering from a heart condition since birth that required him to undergo several surgeries - the latest was two months ago in Leeds.

But having the robot in his place at the classroom has been an "amazing experience" for her youngest son, she said.

"With the robot, it became his eyes, his ears at the school. The robot sat at the desk, partnered up with his classmates, can turn the head, can do timetables - it's brilliant.

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"Harry uses a tablet at home (to control the robot). During playtime, the kids would play with him and they would do Lego bricks.

Harry doing his distant learning assisted by the robot. Picture by Sarah CopleyHarry doing his distant learning assisted by the robot. Picture by Sarah Copley
Harry doing his distant learning assisted by the robot. Picture by Sarah Copley

"So they would play Lego and put the robot next to them and Harry played with them (from home).

"We never knew this technology existed – we were really impressed and we were like, blown away. I hope others kids can benefit from this, not just Harry.”

Harry, who met the robot for the first time today (March 29) as he returned to face-to-face learning said he thought the robot would have arms and legs.

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"Learning was fun with the robot. But I'm happy to be back at school to play with my friends," he said.

Harry with the 'Hazbot'.Harry with the 'Hazbot'.
Harry with the 'Hazbot'.

His class teachers said when Harry wasn't able to return to the school, they thought he would continue homeschooling at home via a teleconference.

Juliette Foster said: "When Harry wasn't able to restart school at the same time as his friends, we assumed he would have to continue homeschooling via video link, but luckily 'Hazbot', as we know him, came to the rescue!'

Harry's other class teacher, Alison Carr added: "As neither of us had ever taught a robot before, we weren't sure what to expect.

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"We were delighted that not only did it enable Harry to stay on track with his learning, but also to engage with his friends in a fun way. We just had to remember to charge him up every night!"

Now that Harry's back in school physically, Becton School said the robot will be repacked and picked up in order for it to be redistributed to another person in need.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

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