
Embracing Innovation - Robotics and Hugs - Alexis E. Block
We Are ETH
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Emotional Robotics: The Power of Hugs
This chapter explores an experimental study on how robots can express affection through diverse hugging gestures, focusing on user preferences for semi-spontaneous responses rather than exact mimicking. It intertwines the personal journey of the speaker, who turned to engineering to address emotional needs following a significant loss, with the broader implications of robotics in mental health support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and the role of touch in enhancing human connections through technology.
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