The study has been operating since 2019 under chief investigator Dr Joanna Fardell. MissingSchool CEO and co-founder Megan Gilmour said the robots were unlike other video conferencing technology on offer. The research iniative is set to help more Queensland students, similar to students at Canberra’s Marist College. She said she hoped their efforts would help sick children retain a presence in the classroom. “[Students] can dial-in to their robot and be seen and heard, take their lessons in real time with their classmates, interact socially, and engage in social activities with their classmates and friends,” Ms Gilmour said. Robots used for the trial are similar to tablets and can be controlled by an electronic device – from either home or hospital.