What is AV1 and Why Does It Matter?
AV1 is a compact telepresence robot designed to bridge the gap between students and their classroom environment when physical attendance is not possible — whether due to illness, injury, hospitalisation, or any other extended absence. Developed to support inclusive education, AV1 sits on a student’s classroom desk and acts as their eyes, ears, and voice in real time.
Using a smartphone or tablet, the absent student can see and hear everything happening in class, participate in lessons, and interact with teachers and peers — all from wherever they are. The robot’s tilting head allows the student to indicate attention, signal they want to speak, or simply look around the room naturally.
IME’s Role in Bringing AV1 to India
India Market Entry (IME), a boutique consulting firm specialising in helping global education stakeholders navigate India’s vibrant education sector, is proud to partner with AV1 for its India launch. The introduction of this technology aligns with IME’s core mission — making world-class educational solutions accessible across India’s diverse landscape.
Dhiraj Trakru, Founder of IME, underscored the importance of this launch for Indian schools and families dealing with the very real challenge of long-term student absences:
How AV1 Works: Redefining Classroom Presence
The AV1 robot is designed with simplicity and dignity in mind. There are no complex setups required for the school, and the student controls the robot entirely through a dedicated app. Key features include:
AV1 Robot — Key Capabilities
- Live audio and video feed from the classroom, controlled by the student
- Tiltable head to signal attention, raise a virtual hand, or look around
- Controlled via smartphone or tablet — no disruption to the classroom
- Designed for long-term and short-term absences alike
- Supports social inclusion, reducing feelings of isolation and anxiety
- Lightweight, compact design that sits unobtrusively on a desk
The AV1 robot has already been deployed in schools across Europe and North America, with documented improvements in student wellbeing, academic continuity, and social connection. India represents a major new frontier — a country with over 1.5 million schools and millions of children who face disrupted education each year due to health conditions, including those with chronic illnesses, rare diseases, and post-surgery recovery.
Coverage Across India — All 50 Publications
The AV1 Robot India launch was featured across the following publications. Click any link to read the full coverage:
Partner with IME & AV1
Schools, healthcare institutions, and corporate CSR partners are invited to explore how AV1 can support students in their communities. Reach out to India Market Entry to learn more about bringing AV1 to your school network or funding inclusive education initiatives across India.
Conclusion
The launch of AV1 in India is more than a product introduction — it is a commitment to ensuring that no child’s education comes to a halt simply because they cannot be in the room. With IME’s deep expertise in the Indian education market and AV1’s proven technology, this partnership is uniquely positioned to transform how India thinks about student absences, inclusion, and the meaning of being present in class.
As India continues to modernise its education infrastructure under the National Education Policy and beyond, innovations like AV1 represent the kind of human-centred technology that can make a lasting difference — one classroom, one student at a time.
