Volkswagen’s robot lets kids with cerebral palsy join soccer match day

MANILA: Volkswagen, in collaboration with Silicon Valley-based robotics company OhmniLabs, developed Champ, a telepresence robot that allows young soccer fans who are unable to watch matches live to interact with players, participate in on-field activities, and enjoy the game-day experience.

Two siblings from Kentucky, USA were personally invited by the US Women’s National Team starting defender Kelly O’Hara to become virtual player honorees for the US Women’s National Team match through Champ. Cooper, 13, and her sister Anna Leigh, seven, were virtually transported into the center of match-day action last October 21.

Cooper and Anna Leigh were both diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age and have since experienced numerous medical challenges. However, through Cerebral Palsy Soccer, an organization that organizes a nationwide soccer league and summer camp for children with cerebral palsy, the siblings were able to find a sport and a passion.

Cooper was diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, which mostly affects his legs. Ge began playing CP Soccer for the first time at the age of nine, and found companionship with children who understood his disabilities. Cooper started to relearn how to walk and more significantly, to participate in virtual training sessions with his CP Soccer team, after an extensive leg surgery and a two-year recovery period.

Meanwhile, Anna Leigh was diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy after suffering a stroke on the right side of her brain. She fought the odds and learned to walk with the help of orthotics, but her autism made it difficult for her to speak. Anna Leigh was only four years old when Cooper started attending virtual training sessions with the CP Soccer team, but she was keen to keep up with her brother. She practiced every day and was soon able to communicate with others outside of her family.

For the siblings, soccer served as an escape from their medical procedures. In a statement, Cooper said, “Soccer helps with my motivation, my confidence and my working skill. I feel like I'm more confident and I can do more things that I want to do, because I'm doing more physical activities and feeling better about myself.”

“After an hour or two of playing (my legs) start hurting but you just have to get through it,” Anna Leigh shared. “(Soccer) keeps me going.”

During the game, Champ was placed field-side, allowing the siblings to watch the US and South Korean teams warm up for the match. The siblings were also able to have a private virtual meet and greet with O’Hara and a private tour of the WNT locker room. During their tour, both Anna Leigh and Cooper were shown customized lockers with personalized nameplates and jerseys. Through Champ, Anna Leigh and Cooper were able to be on the field for the national anthem and pre-match ceremonies.

“The determination those two kids have and how they handle it is incredible. They are little warriors and fighters and for me so inspiring. Champ gives the experience of being in the stands and seeing the fans to any kid… I’m excited to have them on the field with us,” O’Hara stated.

Using design cues from the Volkswagen ID.4 electric SUV, Champ is designed to look like a real player honoree, with a “head” screen that shows the user’s face and a 3D-printed body on wheels. The life-like robot may be used on various surfaces, including the concrete of the stadium locker room and the turf on the field. The video feed is then transmitted back to the user’s device, allowing them to see and hear everything going on at the stadium.

Champ will be attending the Women’s and Men’s National Team matches throughout 2021 and beyond, giving children the opportunity to become virtual player honorees. Volkswagen America has provided a financial donation to CP Soccer to support other kids like Cooper and Anna Leigh. For more information, log on to ussoccer.com/vwchamp.

Photos from Volkswagen

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