The HUGGIE project at the School of Business FHNW is moving forward. Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Oliver Bendel, the team of four (Andrea Puljic, Robin Heiz, Ivan De Paola, Furkan Tömen) will test a hug doll on users until January 2023. It is already known that warmth and softness of the arms and body are desired. Now the team is investigating whether, for example, voice, vibration and smell also increase acceptance. The key question of the practical project is: Can a social robot help increase physical and mental well-being through hugs and touches, and what factors should be taken into account? The basis of HUGGIE is a dressmaker’s dummy. Added to this are clothing, a warming element, a vibration element, and an audio system. In addition, a scent is applied. The arms are moved by invisible strings so that active hugs are possible. Overall, the impression of a hugging robot is created. A trial run with 65 test persons took place in a Swiss company in November 2022. They were hugged by HUGGIE and a giant teddy bear. Based on the results and impressions, the questionnaire and the test setup will be improved. From the end of November 2022, the project will enter its final phase, with implementation and evaluation of the tests.
BY OLIVER BENDEL
