The Aflac duck became a toy robot to help kids fighting cancer
The Aflac duck is being put to work in a new role: comforting children with cancer.
Officially called My Special Aflac Duck, the animatronic duck is the product of a year and research and development by Sproutel, a startup that makes health-focused toys. The goal of the duck is to provide children going through chemotherapy -- often a long and grueling process -- with a toy that will not only be a source of comfort, but will help them cope with treatment.
SEE ALSO:7 tech trends that will rule CES 2018The soft duck has its own chemotherapy port and other accessories specially designed to resonate with young children going through cancer treatments. An accompanying app uses augmented reality to let kids act out feeding and bathing the toy, so that they can take on the role of a caregiver.
The company says it can also help young kids better express their feelings during treatment. Cards with RFID chips and emoji allow you to change the duck's "mood" from happy to sad to silly to nauseous or sad or angry. The duck body language, sound effects, and facial expressions change to match the corresponding moods.
Credit: karissa bell/mashableCredit: karissa bell/mashableEven though it's the Aflac duck, a corporate mascot known for a loud and somewhat annoying voice, Sproutel CEO Aaron Horowitz says their version only makes quiet soothing sounds. It can also help kids control their breathing through guided breathing sessions.
Each duck costs about $200 to produce, but Aflac says it's partnering with hospitals so patients and their families don't have to pay for the toy. The company say it hopes to distribute as many as 10,000 ducks over the next year, though it hasn't yet detailed specific availability.
Featured Video For You
An injured puppy wore a 3D printed exoskeleton to stabilize her skull
TopicsCES
-
Trump won't stop making a deceptive bird claim. Experts debunk it.The timeline of the Trump campaign's many statements on who wrote Melania's speechWhatsApp now lets you share photos in HDMoon agreed to flying BBest smartphone deal: Google Pixel 8a on sale for $449 at AmazonMoon to mediate deal between US, N. Korea in summit with Kim: official我市首届中老年才艺秀活动将于明日举行A brief history of Elon Musk and X, the brand he can't quitCarbon neutrality law violates basic rights: Constitutional CourtWhatsApp now lets you share photos in HD
- ·Yoon touts pension reform drive amid stagnant popularity rating
- ·推进灾后重建 办法总比困难多
- ·13名雅安籍运动员入选国家集训队备战里约热内卢奥运会
- ·Here's how to stream Xbox games directly to Discord
- ·Police bust crypto scammer who received plastic surgery to evade arrest
- ·Best Apple Watch deal: Restored Apple Watch Series 8 on sale for $247
- ·村民顺利办到农房重建贷款
- ·A bunch of truly annoyed cats (and one sad chug) looking sharp on Dress Up Your Pet Day
- ·21 Lost and Lonely Cemeteries
- ·Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney break up again, ending engagement
- ·WhatsApp now lets you share photos in HD
- ·S. Korea keeps close tabs on N. Korea's possible provocations
- ·Pope says England are not 'one
- ·Diet Coke overhauls can design, launches new flavors
- ·Best Apple Watch deal: Restored Apple Watch Series 8 on sale for $247
- ·我市首届中老年才艺秀活动将于明日举行
- ·2016's $400 GPU vs. 2019's $400 GPUs
- ·Man with mental illness gets 12
- ·Stephen Colbert discovered the great condiment scandal at the Republican convention
- ·'Natural' earthquake hits North Korea
- ·When will Trump and Harris debate? The presidential campaigns snipe over ABC News’ rules.
- ·Stephen Colbert discovered the great condiment scandal at the Republican convention
- ·Diet Coke overhauls can design, launches new flavors
- ·Diet Coke overhauls can design, launches new flavors
- ·Project 2025 Comstock Act: Trump’s new abortion comment exposed.
- ·天全县广播电视村村响实施方案在全省第一个通过省级专家组评审
- ·Cicadas love to land on people. Experts explain why.
- ·DoorDash nudges users who don't leave tips
- ·How to clean your iPhone speakers
- ·S. Korea on high alert against N. Korean provocations during holiday
- ·Google Gemini now allows AI
- ·Portugal cuts diplomatic ties with North Korea
- ·Tesla now lets you control your car with Apple Shortcuts
- ·冻眠荔枝年花丝苗米迟菜心……湾区特产年味臻品|广东年货大摸底广州篇
- ·Top 10 Tech Pranks
- ·[Contribution] How to restore deforested land in North Korea