Robot helps kids with cancer visit zoo without leaving hospital

By Lauren Beavis

Children with immune system problems were able to "visit" a zoo with the help of a robot.

Riley, 7, and Josy, 5, have both received treatment for various cancers and are immunocompromised.

But they enjoyed a personalized, behind-the-scenes visit to Edinburgh Zoo - with the use of a small, remote-controlled AV1 robot.

They were able to see the animals, including meerkats, penguins and giraffes.

Operated via a computer or smartphone, the AV1 'becomes the child’s eyes, ears and voice' - enabling real-time conversation, movement, and exploration in spaces they cannot safely access in person.

The robot has a built-in camera, speaker, and microphone, which the child controls through a secure app on a tablet or phone.

Thanks to the new technology from UK charity SpecialEffect, the children were able to take an up-close look at some of the wildlife conservation charity’s animals, while hearing more about their behaviors - without leaving the hospital or their homes.

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Jaima Smith, community and discovery program officer at RZSS, said: “Being able to help create such a special day for these children is a huge part of why we do what we do here at RZSS.

"Hearing their laughter and excitement as they explored the zoo and connected with our animals was truly heartwarming.”

The robot, part of SpecialEffect’s pioneering BubbleBusters project, is typically used to help children continue attending school during intensive treatment.

However, the charity says its collaboration with RZSS demonstrates the 'transformative potential of accessible technology in leisure and play'.

Paige Harvey, gaming community manager at SpecialEffect said: “We were thrilled to be able to bring two of our young BubbleBusters to the zoo via accessible technology, highlighting the importance of inclusion while having fun and engaging in a shared love of the natural world.

"We can’t thank the team at Edinburgh Zoo enough for working with us to help make their dreams come true.”

SpecialEffect is an award-winning UK charity helping to improve the lives of disabled people across the globe through the innovative use of technology.

At the core of this mission is providing greater inclusion through the opportunity to play video games to the best of their abilities.