Скачать или смотреть Cuddle-Fish: Exploring a Soft Floating Robot with Flapping Wings for Physical Interactions

Authors: Mingyang Xu, Jiayi Shao, Yulan Ju, Ximing Shen, Qingyuan Gao, Weijen Chen, Qing Zhang, Yun Suen Pai, Giulia Barbareschi, Matthias Hoppe, Kouta Minamizawa, Kai Kunze

Institution: Keio University Graduate School of Media Design

Abstract:
We present Cuddle-Fish, a soft flapping-wing floating robot designed for close-proximity interactions in indoor spaces. Through a user study with 24 participants, we explored their perceptions of the robot and experiences during a series of co-located demonstrations in which the robot moved near them. Results showed that participants felt safe, willingly engaged in touch-based interactions with the robot, and exhibited spontaneous affective behaviours, such as patting, stroking, hugging, and cheek-touching, without external prompting. They also reported positive emotional responses towards the robot. These findings suggest that the soft floating robot with flapping wings can serve as a novel and socially acceptable alternative to traditional rigid flying robots, opening new potential for applications in companionship, affective interaction, and play in everyday indoor environments.

ACM Augmented Humans International Conference 2025 (AHs '25)
https://doi.org/10.1145/3745900.3746080
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2504.0...