AV1 Telepresence Robot

Supporting EBSA and Trauma-Related School Avoidance

Talk to us about hiring the AV1

School absence is one of the most significant challenges facing education today.

AV1 telepresence robots offer a safe, low‑pressure way for students who cannot attend school to stay connected with learning, maintain a sense of belonging, and re‑engage with their school community at a pace that feels right for them

How does it work?

AV1 Robots: How do they work?

Keeping Communication Alive When School Feels Impossible

Many children experiencing Emotional‑Based School Avoidance (EBSA) or trauma want to stay connected with learning and friendships, but physically attending school feels overwhelming or unsafe. For these young people, communication can become limited, pressured, or completely shut down.

The AV1 telepresence robot offers a gentle, child‑led bridge back to connection. It allows a young person to join lessons, interact with peers, and take part in school life from a place that feels safe—whether that’s home, a quiet room, or another supportive environment.

How AV1 Supports Communication and Well-being

  • A camera and microphone connect absent pupils who can speak, see and hear everything through the robot. The camera is one-way, which removes the pressure of being seen. This supports:

    • selective or situational mutism

    • shutdowns and overwhelm

    • communication differences linked to autism, ADHD, trauma, or anxiety

    The child chooses how and when to communicate, giving them autonomy and emotional safety.

Maintaining relationships and belonging

Connection with peers is one of the strongest protective factors for children experiencing EBSA. The AV1 helps young people:

  • stay part of their class community, even when they cannot be physically present

  • join social moments, including breaktime conversations and informal interactions

  • maintain friendships without sensory or emotional overload, reducing the pressure that often makes in‑person attendance feel unsafe

  • avoid the isolation that can deepen school avoidance, helping them feel remembered, included, and valued

The robot acts as an avatar for the child, representing them in school in a way that feels safe and manageable. It can be:

  • named and personalised, supporting ownership and identity

  • carried around using its handle or backpack, so the student can be involved in all aspects of school life

  • taken on school trips, allowing the child to join experiences they would otherwise miss

  • physically present in the classroom, ensuring the student is not forgotten—even on days when they feel too overwhelmed or unwell to log on

A trauma‑informed pathway back to school

AV1 supports graded exposure and reintegration by allowing the child to:

  • observe lessons without being seen

  • participate at their own pace

  • gradually increase interaction when ready

This aligns with neurodivergent‑affirming and trauma‑informed practice, reducing pressure and supporting co‑regulation.