Robot starts school - 9th September 2024

Many children are now getting ready to return to school. But one young boy, Howard, is preparing his robot instead.

Howard is 12 and he has cancer of the arm. Last year, he started chemotherapy but the drugs make him feel sick. Howard often couldn't attend school and he really missed his normal life.

A charity which is called "Momentum Children's Charity" decided to help. Together with another charity, they got Howard a robot - "AV Howard". This robot lets Howard keep on learning. It's controlled by Howard from home or hospital.

AV Howard is fitted with a camera and a speaker. That means it can read textbooks and take part in class. Through the robot, Howard can chat to his friends as well.

Howard's friends enjoy helping. They take AV Howard into lessons and sit the robot on the classroom desk. They use it to talk to Howard in the school corridors, so he doesn't feel lonely anymore.

When school finishes each day, AV Howard's recharged during the night. That way, the robot's ready for the next school day.

Howard will go back to school soon, but for now, his robot's really improved his situation. It's the next best thing to being there in person!