Robots in Schools as Assistive Technology

This article originally appeared as an AT of the Month.

The increased role of robotics is growing in many areas and their use as Assistive Technology will only increase in the months and years ahead. There are many settings where robotic devices are now being used, but we will focus on one in particular this month…the school.

Over the past few years we have learned about several schools in Maine where students who are either hospitalized or home-bound due to injury, disability or disease are able to continue with their studies – at a distance – using robotic technology.

This month we are showcasing two robotic systems that are currently being used in Maine schools, but there are a number on the market.

VGo

VGo is a new productivity improvement solution that enables a person to replicate themself in a distant location and have the freedom to move around as if they were physically there. With VGo, you can see, hear, talk, interact, and go anywhere.

VGo is being used successfully today by schools for their students who can’t physically go to school due to an illness, accident or medical condition. VGo gets the student back to the tradional schooling environment by providing a physical device that replicates the student while away from hospital. It is operated in real-time by the student (not the teacher or an aid) so they feel empowered with their independence.

VGo enables students to:

Receive the same instruction as their peers
Move around/between classrooms independently
Socialize with friends in the hallways and at lunch
Participate in a full school day with their classmates

Double Robotics

Double Robotics - Double Double Robotics is the creator of Double, the world’s leading telepresence robot. Double helps telecommuters feel more connected to their colleagues by giving them a physical presence where they can’t be in person, whether it’s the office, classroom, or conference.

Bringing the rich learning environment of a classroom to a home-bound or hospitalized student can be very difficult. Double enables the remote student to join the classroom in realtime, interact with other students one-on-one, and participate in group discussion. The Double telepresence robot is a revolutionary tool for home-bound students.

CostS

VGo

Current pricing information was not available on the VGo website – please contact the company for more information. See also see what’s included in the price…

Double Robotics

Double Robotics shows their base price for the Double 2 to be $3,000. Extras include extended warranty ($500) and travel case ($700). The user must also provide an iPad.

Demonstration

Here are some videos demonstrating the two devices:

https://youtu.be/Dd-LMvkpjsM

More information and demonstratioN

Please contact the companies for more information and to arrange for a demonstration:

VGo
36 Cambridge Park Dr
Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: 617-864-0636
Fax: 617-661-0813
VGo Website

Double Robotics
Burlingame, CA
Phone: 650-713-2857
E-mail: info@doublerobotics.com
Double Robotics Website

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posted 1/29/2016