A robot is helping sick children in Chester County achieve perfect school attendance, thanks to a program from the Chester County Intermediate Unit, writes Kathy Boccella for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The program provides children with an iPad on a skinny robot that they can maneuver from class to class. This gives them much of the classroom experience remotely, and students can also chat with their friends and go on field trips with its help.

Introduced two and a half years ago, the program is currently helping three students, one in the Octorara School District and two in the Owen J. Roberts School District.

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The CCIU now plans to purchase another $4,000 robot, according to Sam Ewing, the CCIU’s assistant director of student services.

Chester County officials said its success in giving students with serious medical issues a somewhat normal school day has been remarkable.

“It’s natural for them,” said Paul Sanfrancesco, the director of technology at Owen J. Roberts.

Read more about the program in the Philadelphia Inquirer here, and check out previous VISTA Today coverage of the CCIU here.