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Robot Helps Young Fan Become Everton FC’s Matchday Mascot

Rather than ask players from his favorite soccer club, Everton F.C., to visit him while he lay ill at home, a young British fan visited the athletes on their own turf—with the help of a robot.

Fox News reported Tuesday that 14-year-old Jack McLinden, who is unable to leave his house due to numerous health issues, became Everton’s “Matchday Mascot” through the use of an ad robot, a first in the sport.

The robot—designed by Norwegian firm No Isolation—was connected to McLinden’s iPad, allowing him to virtually hang out with the players in the dressing room and get a first-hand view of the players’ entrance onto the pitch.