Paired Robotic Devices with Subtle Expression of Sadness for Enriching Social Connectedness

Various factors contribute to feelings of loneliness and compromised emotional well-being. One potential strategy to address this issue involves creating systems that enhance social connectedness between users at distance. In the literature, many of these systems utilize physically embodied devices and foster a sense of presence and intimacy. However, there has been limited exploration of targeting and sharing negative emotions. This study introduces a novel robotic device with a caricatured appearance named BlueBot, capable of subtle expressions of sadness. This study outlines the technical aspects and design principles underpinning touch-based non-verbal communication. Additionally, we present findings from a pilot test and in-the-wild field trial, describing users’ responses and behaviors to investigate the impact on social connectedness. Our observations indicate that the developed system offers a nuanced approach that not only heightens awareness of the other individual’s presence but also enhances emotional sensitivity. Several design insights for future similar studies are derived from our research.