Bremen purchases 16 robots for seriously ill pupils
With the purchase of 16 so-called telepresence robots, Bremen wants to enable seriously ill pupils to participate more in lessons and the school community. The small robots, also known as avatars, are intended to help pupils who are unable to attend school due to illness or other reasons, as the education authority announced on Monday. The technology allows children and young people to use tablets to remotely control their robot in the classroom - for example to report in or speak to the class. According to Bremen, it is the first federal state to purchase this technology on a larger scale.
The 16 telepresence robots can now be borrowed by schools in Bremen and Bremerhaven from the media rental service of the Senator for Children and Education. The purchase price per unit is 3500 euros.
"I am delighted that after a successful trial phase with three school avatars in Bremen and Bremerhaven, 16 avatars are now being launched so that more seriously ill children can take part in classroom life and lessons," said Senator for Education Sascha Karolin Aulepp (SPD) in a statement. The robots, which are equipped with microphones and a camera, make it possible for these pupils in particular not to feel excluded from the class community and to be able to take part in excursions, for example.
The digitization of education in Bremen has expanded with the introduction of 16 telepresence robots, aiming to enhance health and participation of seriously ill students in school activities. These advanced diseases-driven innovations can also promote virtual participation in educational excursions, thereby bridging the gap between health issues and school education.
Source: www.dpa.com
