When a 7 year old student form Berlin became too ill to attend school, the local council engaged advanced technology to help. Joshua Martinangeli was able to stay in touch with his teachers and classmates daily via a robotic avatar attending school in his place. Joshua could communicate with his fellow students through a blinking signal when he had something to say.

The avatars, which were initially bought with COVID-19 in mind, are helpful to children who can’t attend school due to health or mobility issues. By staying part of the school community, it helps provide a sense of routine and inclusion.