Interactive Robotic Duck: A Comfort Companion for Children with Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease
Aflac, a prominent U.S. company specializing in supplemental health insurance products and a dedicated advocate for families with children suffering from cancer and blood disorders such as sickle cell disease, recently presented its renowned My Special Aflac Ducks to young patients at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.
This robotic duck is designed to interact with and comfort children undergoing treatment through medical play, lifelike movements, and the simulation of emotions. The creation of My Special Aflac Duck was the result of an intensive research project that lasted over a year and a half and involved more than 100 children, families, and healthcare professionals. Its main goal is to help children cope emotionally with their treatments. This initiative is a testament to Aflac’s ongoing commitment to children and families dealing with pediatric cancer and blood disorders, a commitment that spans over 28 years and has seen the company donate $170 million.
Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, the senior vice president and chief communications officer at Aflac Incorporated, stated, “Aflac’s mission has always been to be there when people need us the most. My Special Aflac Duck is a tangible manifestation of that commitment, and it is deeply moving to see the joy on the faces of Chicago’s children and families as they welcome a new companion to accompany them on their journey. This extraordinary program has brought comfort and happiness to over 25,000 children, and we are privileged to offer this award-winning resource, free of charge, to any child diagnosed with pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease in the United States, Northern Ireland, and Japan.”
Children at Lurie Children’s Hospital had the opportunity to participate in a demonstration of My Special Aflac Duck and engage in fun challenges before receiving their own robotic companion, which they could keep. Patients and their families were invited to stay for the duck reveal party, where they could partake in various activities such as creating a birth certificate and beaded necklace for their duck, coloring, and more.
”The My Special Aflac Duck is an incredible tool that helps provide comfort to our patients and allows them to express themselves through the duck’s emotion choices. The My Special Aflac Duck also brings joy and much needed distraction to our patients who are going through a particularly difficult time,” said T.J. Johnson, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Lurie Children’s Hospital. “This program is an amazing addition to our child life programming, and Lurie Children’s is very appreciative of our partnership with Aflac.”
My Special Aflac Duck comes with a variety of features, including an interactive mobile app that lets children virtually care for their duck by bathing and feeding it. The app also offers customizable soundscapes that provide calming visuals and sounds. The duck is equipped with smart sensors that respond to touch and are aware of light and sounds, and it can mimic a soothing heartbeat and breathing vibrations. My Special Aflac Duck has received numerous accolades, including being named Best in Show at CES in Las Vegas and being included in Time Magazine’s list of Best Inventions.
This robotic duck is designed to interact with and comfort children undergoing treatment through medical play, lifelike movements, and the simulation of emotions. The creation of My Special Aflac Duck was the result of an intensive research project that lasted over a year and a half and involved more than 100 children, families, and healthcare professionals. Its main goal is to help children cope emotionally with their treatments. This initiative is a testament to Aflac’s ongoing commitment to children and families dealing with pediatric cancer and blood disorders, a commitment that spans over 28 years and has seen the company donate $170 million.
Ines Rodriguez Gutzmer, the senior vice president and chief communications officer at Aflac Incorporated, stated, “Aflac’s mission has always been to be there when people need us the most. My Special Aflac Duck is a tangible manifestation of that commitment, and it is deeply moving to see the joy on the faces of Chicago’s children and families as they welcome a new companion to accompany them on their journey. This extraordinary program has brought comfort and happiness to over 25,000 children, and we are privileged to offer this award-winning resource, free of charge, to any child diagnosed with pediatric cancer and sickle cell disease in the United States, Northern Ireland, and Japan.”
Children at Lurie Children’s Hospital had the opportunity to participate in a demonstration of My Special Aflac Duck and engage in fun challenges before receiving their own robotic companion, which they could keep. Patients and their families were invited to stay for the duck reveal party, where they could partake in various activities such as creating a birth certificate and beaded necklace for their duck, coloring, and more.
”The My Special Aflac Duck is an incredible tool that helps provide comfort to our patients and allows them to express themselves through the duck’s emotion choices. The My Special Aflac Duck also brings joy and much needed distraction to our patients who are going through a particularly difficult time,” said T.J. Johnson, Vice President of Corporate Partnerships, Lurie Children’s Hospital. “This program is an amazing addition to our child life programming, and Lurie Children’s is very appreciative of our partnership with Aflac.”
My Special Aflac Duck comes with a variety of features, including an interactive mobile app that lets children virtually care for their duck by bathing and feeding it. The app also offers customizable soundscapes that provide calming visuals and sounds. The duck is equipped with smart sensors that respond to touch and are aware of light and sounds, and it can mimic a soothing heartbeat and breathing vibrations. My Special Aflac Duck has received numerous accolades, including being named Best in Show at CES in Las Vegas and being included in Time Magazine’s list of Best Inventions.
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