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My Special Aflac Duck

Chest sensor

Feeling cards

Picc line

Chemotherapy

Removable plushness

A naked robot duck

A naked robot duck

Chest sensor and light

Light sensor and microphone

Simply adorable

Will the real Aflac duck please stand up?

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Sproutel a health and research company teamed up with the insurance company Aflac to create a social robot duck as a companion for children going through cancer treatment.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

On the duck's chest is a circular sensor and light letting kids use "feeling cards" to change the ducks mood and behaviors.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The "feeling cards" are RFID-enabled circular discs with emojis on them. The one shaped like a rocket ship triggers the duck to play calming sounds.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

There is even a PICC line that can be attached to the duck.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

This allows the duck to receive chemotherapy medicine helping kids feel less scared about receiving their own.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The duck is covered in a cuddly plush coat that is removable and can be washed.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Under the coat is the body of the robot.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The duck's movements are natural. It even has a breath and a heartbeat.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

Here's the chest sensor with the light on. It's a bit reminiscent of E.T.'s belly.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

On the head is a light sensor and microphone that adapt to different environments and adjust the duck's behavior accordingly.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

This cute guy costs $200 (around £150, AU$255), but Aflac is donating one at no cost to any children newly diagnosed with cancer.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

The real Aflac duck made an appearance at CES, too. For more on the My Special Aflac Duck check out my first take.

Caption by Patrick Holland / Photo by Tyler Lizenby/CNET

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A closer look at how a robot duck comforts kids with cancer

Published: 1 February 2018, 7:02 am AEDT

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