A savior for the classroom in the COVID era?!

Robot venture GROOVE X Inc. has begun a pilot program for the first full-scale introduction of its "LOVOT" at Oji Dai-ni Elementary School in Kita Ward, Tokyo, which has 242 students. The initiative aims to provide emotional care and cultivate empathy in children grappling with anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While LOVOT has already been introduced in 26 kindergartens and daycare centers, this marks its first deployment in an elementary school.

Addressing the emotional toll and lost memories for children, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted children's activities, leading to increased stress and anxiety. School events like field trips and excursions have been canceled, leaving educators facing the challenge of creating lasting memories for students. This situation has also caused stress for parents and teachers, not just the children. To help alleviate these issues, the company is initiating its first pilot program for the full-scale introduction of "LOVOT" into elementary schools.

Student reactions at Oji Dai-ni Elementary School in Kita Ward, Tokyo
During class, students learned about LOVOT through a picture book. Upon LOVOT's arrival in the classroom, many children greeted it with smiles, calling out its name. The students collaboratively decided on LOVOT's name and the rules for interaction, keeping in mind the "three Cs" (closed spaces, crowded places, close-contact settings). Even when it was time to interact with LOVOT, the children adhered to the established rules, taking turns with palpable anticipation for their moment.

Online lectures, surveys, and programming workshops scheduled from July onwards
On July 21st (Tuesday), an online class will be held featuring our CEO, Kaname Hayashi, who will speak directly to the children about LOVOT's technology and the process of its creation. Surveys will be conducted with students, parents, and teachers in July and September to document the emotional changes observed before and after interacting with LOVOT. In September, a programming workshop from the "LOVOT STUDY" series, designed to foster self-directed learning and curiosity, will be held.https://lovot.groove-x.com/LOVOT-STUDY_visualprogramming.htmlThis hands-on experience with engineers aims to spark interest in programming education, which became a mandatory subject in Japanese elementary schools in 2020.

Comments from students at Oji Dai-ni Elementary School, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Although we were very sad when events like the sports day were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are very happy to have a new friend join us! To avoid the three Cs, we will wash our hands before interacting and treat LOVOT like a pet according to the rules!

LOVOT is cute and like a pet. Its colors are vibrant and lovely, and I especially liked its eyes! We were finally able to come back to school in June, but we couldn't go out or play, and sometimes I couldn't sleep at night. But with LOVOT here, it feels like having a friend, and I'm so happy!

When I actually saw it, it was surprisingly small, warm, and soft. I want to touch it every day! It's cute like a pet, and I want one!

Comments from Chiho Eguchi, Principal of Oji Dai-ni Elementary School, Kita Ward, Tokyo
The 2020 academic year began with staggered school reopenings in June. Our students are adapting to the new lifestyle, making efforts to live safely and cooperatively. At school, we are focusing on enriching emotional education to help children improve their feelings of anxiety and loneliness, and to make their school life as bright as possible. We are now experimentally introducing "LOVOT," developed by GROOVE X Inc., with the aim of primarily supporting children's emotional well-being, nurturing kindness, and facilitating adaptation to their grade level and classroom environment until the summer break. From September onwards, we plan to foster logical thinking through experiencing how AI robots operate via programming.

Comments from Kaname Hayashi, Representative Director of GROOVE X Inc.
Past technologies have primarily been developed to perform tasks in place of humans. In contrast, the future will likely see an increase in technologies used to positively influence human growth. For instance, "LOVOT" bonds with those who care for it. Reports indicate that individuals who care for LOVOT become more vibrant and experience a reduction in irritability and anger. Through their school life with LOVOT, we hope children will encounter highly advanced technology and, by cherishing it, come to feel that technology is not something to fear, but rather something that brings happiness and warmth. Following this, the programming experience offers a chance to increase the number of children who aspire to become engineers, as many who might not have been interested in programming before become engaged when they can make LOVOT move.

Overview: Pilot program for LOVOT's first full-scale introduction into elementary schools

Target:
All 242 students at Oji Dai-ni Elementary School, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Period:
June 25, 2020 – Early October
Units:
Solo x 2 / Duo x 2 (Total 6 units)
Objectives:
To provide emotional care and foster empathy in children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To create lasting memories as an alternative to canceled school events such as field trips and excursions. To stimulate interest in technology and programming.
Schedule:
July 14: Online lecture by Kaname Hayashi, Representative Director of GROOVE X Inc.
July – September: Survey for students, parents, and teachers
September: Programming workshop "LOVOT STUDY"
The details of this pilot program are subject to change without prior notice.

Oji Dai-ni Elementary School, Kita Ward, Tokyo
Number of students: 242
Number of classes: 9 classes across 6 grades
Address: 2-2-5 Oji Honcho, Kita Ward
Information as of June 1, 2020.