Skip to content

Medical device and MedTech insights, news, tips and more

Robotic Ducks to Comfort Children in Hospitals

September 7, 2018

robotduck

Aflac’s robotic therapy ducks have started waddling their way to children’s cancer hospitals nationwide after making their debut at CES earlier this year. The company is distributing the robotic waterfowl through a series of events as part of its activities for National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It started with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, where kids were sent on a scavenger hunt to find their very own high-tech chubby companion. Later this month, Aflac will distribute the second batch of therapy ducks at the Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

My Special Aflac duck was created to be educational and therapeutic, with features especially designed to comfort kids with cancer. It has RFID-enabled emoji cards on its chest that allows patients to choose a “feeling” they want the machine to reflect. If they choose the frowny face, for instance, the duck wil lower its head, slouch and let out a sad whimper.

It also has a port with an RFID chip kids can use to pretend they’re giving the duck chemotherapy. And parents can download the feathery machine’s accompanying app for iOS and Android, where kids can bathe, feed and give it medicine. The company says those features give the children a sense of control during their treatment. In addition, the duck has a heartbeat and deep breathing features that can be used to calm the patients. While the current rollout only covers two hospitals, Aflac plans to expand its campaign to hospitals across the US later this year, providing newly diagnosed kids aged 3 to 13 years old with a robotic duck free of charge.

Read More at the Source: Hospitals will use robot ducks to comfort kids with cancer


By: Mariella Moon


A Speciality Recruiting Firm Exclusively Servicing The Medical Device Industry

Legacy MedSearch has more than 30 years of combined experience recruiting in the medical device industry. We pride ourselves on our professionalism and ability to communicate quickly and honestly with all parties in the hiring process. Our clients include both blue-chip companies and innovative startups within the MedTech space. Over the past 10 years, we have built one of the strongest networks of device professionals ranging from sales, marketing, research & , quality & regulatory, project management, field service, and clinical affairs.

We offer a variety of different solutions for hiring managers depending on the scope and scale of each individual search. We craft a personalized solution for each client and position with a focus on attracting the best possible talent in the shortest possible time frame.

Are you hiring?
Contact us to discuss partnering with Legacy MedSearch on your position.

 

 

More insights

March 7, 2024
FDA Clears Dexcom’s First Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor
Learn More
March 1, 2024
FDA greenlights Boston Scientific’s Novel Drug-Coated Balloon for Coronary In-Stent Restenosis
Learn More
February 21, 2024
Sparrow BioAcoustics Launches Software That Turns a Smartphone into a Stethoscope 
Learn More

Begin your legacy now. We are your medtech and medical device talent advisory firm.