蜜桃影视

This article is one in a series at 蜜桃影视 that profiles the heroes, victories, success stories, and random acts of kindness to be found at schools all across America. Read more of our recent inspiring profiles at The74million.org/series/inspiring.

Using the mobile interactive device, a seventh-grade student with a medical condition that prevents her from attending classes in person will have the next best option: being present at school in real time via video, able to navigate the halls, stay connected with her classmates, and interact with her teachers.听

Kimpton Middle School getting a new ‘student’

鈥� Karen Moore (@KMooreOrange)

The robot has wheels that allows it to travel through the school and a small video monitor, camera, and microphones for remote control and connection to the student鈥檚 house.听

鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about it. We鈥檙e really proud of it,鈥� Superintendent Tom Bratten told the newspaper. He said the girl鈥檚 parents 鈥渨ould love her to have the experience of being with classmates, attending classes every day, and this robot, if you will, for lack of a better term, attends class on her behalf and sends a live feed of every class to [the girl] on the other end. She can attend class daily and see all the lessons going on. She can speak through the robot.鈥�

The $3,200 device, already in use in a handful of schools across the country, has an adjustable height up to 5 feet tall, can rotate views in multiple directions, lasts a full day between charges, and maneuvers in tight spaces. The device also protects student privacy鈥攊t doesn鈥檛 record and stays in public areas.

School board member Lisa Johnson-Bowers says the robot will not only help a student confined to her home but also provide an opportunity for growth and understanding for the girl鈥檚 entire class. 鈥淚t changes their life,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really cool.鈥�