Running the bases at Dodger Stadium is a fun tradition that many children look forward to after most Sunday games. But not all children, especially those who are currently hospitalized or recovering from an illness at home, can physically experience it. That's why UCLA Health, the Dodgers and OhmniLabs teamed up to create a virtual run-the-bases experience for 10 pediatric patients at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital. With the help of the Ohmni Robot, controlled via a computer, phone or tablet from the safety of one's hospital bed or home, these patients got the opportunity to move the robot around the bases on the field. The robot's video chat function also allowed the patients to meet a few Dodger players, including Edwin Rios, Gavin Lux and Mitch White.
"Experiences like this are incredibly powerful for patients who cannot leave their hospital rooms or homes because of their health conditions," said Kelli Carroll, director of Child Life Program at UCLA Health. "We are very grateful to have partners that understand the need for fun and creative ways to reduce children’s anxiety and support healing during illness."
The children enjoyed the unique opportunity to interact with the Dodgers players. "The Dodgers were thrilled to partner with UCLA Health on this new and creative way for young people to run the bases with our players," said Naomi Rodriguez, vice president of external affairs & community relations at the Dodgers.
Partnership was key to making this experience possible for these patients. "The Dodgers and UCLA Health have taken telepresence to a whole new level. To see such joy on the children’s faces as they run the bases at Dodger Stadium is extremely heartwarming, and we are honored to play a part in this special occasion," said Thuc Vu, co-founder and CEO of OhmniLabs.
Please share this inspiring video showing pediatric patients at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital using the robots to virtually run the bases.
