BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (April 2, 2022) —
The Bridgeport Islanders, American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders, and MOVIA Robotics have teamed up to donate a MOVIA Robot-Assisted Instruction (RAI) Teacher’s Aide system to Geraldine Johnson School in Bridgeport.The Teacher’s Aide system, called The Kebbi Robot, valued at more than $5,000, is an educational robot that integrates artificial intelligence, software, and hardware technology to provide a variety of facial expressions, body movements, and communicative interactions. With a preprogrammed curriculum developed by educational professionals, the system breaks down learning barriers to help children with special needs in both academic and social emotional learning. During a private celebration of World Autism Day at Total Mortgage Arena on Saturday, a group of more than 40 students, their families, and staff from Geraldine Johnson School interacted with the full lineup of MOVIA’s family of robots for the first time.
All guests also received a free ticket to the Bridgeport Islanders’ Autism Awareness Game, presented by MOVIA Robotics and Yogibo on Sunday, Apr. 3rd at Total Mortgage Arena.
“MOVIA Robotics is proud to co-sponsor Autism Appreciation Night in partnership with the Bridgeport Islanders,” MOVIA CEO, Jean-Pierre Bolat said. “We are also very pleased to showcase how MOVIA’s Robot-Assisted Instruction can improve the lives of those with autism and other special needs. We are grateful to have partnered with the Islanders for this opportunity to highlight MOVIA’s work during Autism Awareness Month.”
“It was heartwarming to watch this group of Bridgeport students become so enthralled with the Kebbi Robot right away and find joy in their interaction,” Islanders Vice President of Marketing Tim Farrell said. “The intangible effects this robot will have on future students is uplifting and we are so thankful to work with MOVIA Robotics, Yogibo, Absolute Floor Designs and BA Staging and Interiors this weekend.”
In addition to interacting with MOVIA’s robots on Saturday, guests at the private World Autism Day celebration enjoyed a sensory lounge and coloring station during the afternoon. Yogibo kindly donated each of the sensory-friendly furniture items and Absolute Floor Designs provided five new area rugs for the sensory lounge. BA Staging and Interiors donated sensory-friendly lighting for the space.
About the Bridgeport Islanders
The Bridgeport Islanders are the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Islanders. Bridgeport and the Islanders hold the fifth-longest current affiliation in the AHL, dating back to Bridgeport’s inaugural season in 2001-02. The New York Islanders purchased the club in 2004. The Bridgeport Islanders can be followed on Facebook (@AHLIslanders), Twitter (@AHLIslanders) and Instagram (@AHLIslanders).
About MOVIA Robotics, Inc.
MOVIA Robotics is a collaborative robotics company building systems and software to help people and robots work together. MOVIA’s Robot-Assisted Instruction (RAI) systems help children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and other special needs unlock the potential to learn and grow through their unique robotic technology. MOVIA Robotics builds systems to help these children remove barriers to learning, socializing, and adapting, while facilitating a positive learning environment at school and at home by dynamically leading them through activities using evidence-based prompting and instructional design. Backed by years of research and development, MOVIA's RAI systems have been installed in schools, in clinics, and in the home. MOVIA's educational and therapeutic content is written by educators and therapists and aligns with the highest standards for special education curricula. For additional information please visit https://moviarobotics.com.
About Total Mortgage Arena
Total Mortgage Arena is a 10,000 seat sports and entertainment venue located in Bridgeport Connecticut. The Arena is the home of the New York Islanders’ AHL affiliate and hosts nearly 130 events each year, including sporting events, family shows, concerts by world-famous musicians, and much more. Total Mortgage Arena is managed by OVG360, who specializes in providing premium content, delivering an exceptional guest experience, and successfully operating venues for its clients. More information is available at www.totalmortgagearena.com.
Connect with the Bridgeport Islanders
The Bridgeport Islanders are proud to introduce their new social media handles on Facebook (@AHLIslanders), Twitter (@AHLIslanders) and Instagram (@AHLIslanders). The team can be reached by phone at 203-345-2300.
