Patients at several children’s hospitals in the US will now be able to explore South Carolina Aquarium without leaving their rooms following the introduction of a robot that can be controlled remotely via a tablet.
Following a successful trial in December at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, SC Aquarium will open the scheme up to two more hospitals in the state, including Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Greenville, later in the year.
The aquarium team has worked with medical staff at MUSC to arrange the virtual visits, with patients either on long stays or during certain treatments given access to the robot.
The robot, which was a gift from insurer Aflac, can be controlled directly, with patients able to explore both inside and outside of the aquarium. In addition to movement, the robot’s camera means they can zoom in on sea life to get a closer look at what they’re watching. Educators will also accompany them to guide them on their visit and tell them about the exhibits.
“It’s been truly amazing to facilitate this experience,” said SC Aquarium’s virtual programs coordinator, Alayna Robertson.
“The kids are able to take control and drive through the aquarium on their own exploration, when in many other aspects of their lives, they may lack that sense of being the one at the wheel.”
While the scheme is expanding to further children’s hospitals in the local area, the aquarium is also hoping to reach “isolated members of the community”, such as the elderly and hospitalised military veterans.
Children in hospital can now explore South Carolina Aquarium remotely using a robot | Planet Attractions
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Children in hospital can now explore South Carolina Aquarium remotely using a robot
Patients at a number of children’s hospitals across the state of South Carolina can now explore Charleston’s popular aquarium remotely, using a robot to interact with the exhibits and take part in tours Tom Anstey | Planet Attractions | 27 Jan 2023
Patients at several children’s hospitals in the US will now be able to explore South Carolina Aquarium without leaving their rooms following the introduction of a robot that can be controlled remotely via a tablet.
Following a successful trial in December at the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in Charleston, SC Aquarium will open the scheme up to two more hospitals in the state, including Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Midlands and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Greenville, later in the year.
The aquarium team has worked with medical staff at MUSC to arrange the virtual visits, with patients either on long stays or during certain treatments given access to the robot.
The robot, which was a gift from insurer Aflac, can be controlled directly, with patients able to explore both inside and outside of the aquarium. In addition to movement, the robot’s camera means they can zoom in on sea life to get a closer look at what they’re watching. Educators will also accompany them to guide them on their visit and tell them about the exhibits.
“It’s been truly amazing to facilitate this experience,” said SC Aquarium’s virtual programs coordinator, Alayna Robertson.
“The kids are able to take control and drive through the aquarium on their own exploration, when in many other aspects of their lives, they may lack that sense of being the one at the wheel.”
While the scheme is expanding to further children’s hospitals in the local area, the aquarium is also hoping to reach “isolated members of the community”, such as the elderly and hospitalised military veterans.
