This adorable robot duck helps kids cope with cancer treatments

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. 

The 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. Read more…

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