Tina is a nine-year old successfully undergoing chemotherapy treatment. She spends much of her time shuttling between the hospitals and her home, effectively unplugged from her school and her friends.

Until now.

Introducing PEBBLES, a revolutionary solution for hospitalized, homebound and special needs children. PEBBLES connects children to their home classroom, allowing for total participation in education and complete social contact.

creating a virtual presence

PEBBLES is the world's first fully functional 'telepresence' application - social and technology solution that virtually places a child within the classroom.

Two child-sized robots transmit real time, audio and documents between classroom and child. The classroom-based robot features a microphone and speakers, a swivelling monitor and camera competition, and a robotic hand. Together, these mimic the movement and interaction of an actual student. All functions are controlled by the remote child, who communicates with the classroom via a game pad-style controller and personal robot complete with microphone, touch screen video monitor, microphone and speakers.

PEBBLES creates a presence so strong in fact, that teachers, students and remote children all react as if the remote student is physically present in the regular classroom.

building the bridge to possibility

Developed with the aid of social, educational and human interface experts, PEBBLES helps stimulate the social and learning development of children typically isolated by hospitalization or special needs.

reconnecting children to their social network

Childhood is an essential time for social development and a supportive network of friends is critical to a child's recovery. PEBBLES eliminates the isolation of being home or hospital bound, creating a true presence in the classroom for natural interaction in-class and with remote children.

improving the impact of education

With PEBBLES, a remote child can participate fully in classroom activities in the familiar surroundings or his or her neighbourhood school. PEBBLES has the potential or reduce disruption of the student's educational progress, increases the effectiveness of learning models, and improves the probability of graduating on schedule. It's as if the student never left.

enhancing recovery rates

PEBBLES ability to connect children with peers and teachers reduces the stress and lonliness of isolation, and improving the potential for faster recovery.