PressSplit
Showing the telepresence robots: (from left) Andrea Nösel (Corporate Communications Kreissparkasse), Heiko Komma (Media Center), Andreas Koch (District Office) District Administrator Olaf von Löwis and Michael Gartmaier (Head of the Kreissparkasse Advisory Center). © Kreissparkasse
The Kreissparkasse has financed two telepresence robots, which are loaned out to schools free of charge by the district’s media center. With their help, seriously ill children can attend classes from home or from their sickbed.
Miesbach – If children suffer from a serious illness, the most important thing is rapid healing and recovery. At the same time, they should grow up as normally as possible and – in order not to lose touch – should also be able to take part in school lessons. So-called telepresence robots make a valuable contribution. According to a press release, the Kreissparkasse Miesbach-Tegernsee has now financed two of these devices.
AV1 reminds of R2-D2
The telepresence robot AV1, which at first glance is reminiscent of the popular droid R2-D2 from “Star Wars”, has an important mission: it maintains contact between seriously ill children and their school – as is the case with eight-year-old Philip from Hausham , who suffers from the rare Ewing’s sarcoma and has to be treated regularly in a Munich children’s clinic. The students can take part in class via an app, with the robot’s camera transmitting what is happening in the classroom in encrypted form. “As soon as the little avatar’s eyes light up, we know that the sick student has joined the class,” explains Heiko Komma from the media center in Miesbach. “In addition, students can participate in lessons via the robot’s loudspeaker and bring their contributions into the classroom.”
Purchase costs 8000 euros
The purchase of the two telepresence robots was made possible by a donation of 8,000 euros from the Kreissparkasse. The funds come from the social purpose income of PS Savings and Winnings. “We are pleased to be able to help affected families from the region with the project,” says Michael Gartmaier, head of the advice center in Miesbach. “The telepresence robots are a really great thing, but of course it’s even nicer when the children are healthy enough to be able to take part in lessons.”
Media center provides devices to schools
The media center provides the devices free of charge. This relieves the financial burden on schools and ensures that no children are excluded from use due to financial hurdles. According to the press release, District Administrator Olaf von Löwis wants to ensure that the use of such telepresence robots becomes a standard service from health insurance companies. “Some students are unable to be part of their class due to serious illnesses, immune deficiencies or psychological stress,” said the district administrator. “I am very proud that we can offer them a perspective through this technology.”
