Squeeze me

Abstract

This paper presents the Squeeze Me, a research-throughdesign case that explores the emergence of empathic behavior between human and machine by sparking an expression-rich relation. The Squeeze Me is a squeezable device used to grab attention from a robot, providing ground for expressive values to be shared. The expressions exerted on the mediating device by the human are mapped to expressive behaviors of the robot in the modality of motion in forthcoming interaction. We propose a doublelayered interaction paradigm in achieving natural and socially acceptable synthesis. Firstly, a direct mapping, inherently exhibiting a natural relationship. Secondly, an amplifying and reductive mapping to construct a personalizing relationship through vivid and lively interactions fed by the intentions of the robot as well as the user. The design case serves to explore consequences of a phenomenological approach on the constitution of empathy in the fields of human and robot interaction. With this work we intend to inspire design engineering to shift from representational and discrete to rich, continuous-sustained and other embodied mechanisms for interaction when targeting empathic behavior to emerge.

Exploring Empathy in Interaction

“…The third interaction design is explored by two means, one by exploring auditory-based interaction and the other a more tangible approach. The “Call Me” and the “Squeeze Me” (Stienstra & Marti, 2012) are interaction devices that enable the older person to get attention from the robot, simply to make the robot come closer in order to start a more elaborate interaction toward higher-level assistance or collaborative functions. The “Squeeze Me” device is a simple force-sensing resistor integrated into the backside of the tablet.…”

Skweezee for Processing

“…Examples include musical instruments [9,11] and sculpting tools [4,7]. Stienstra & Marti also demonstrate the richness of squeeze interaction by addressing the affective component of squeezes to call a robot [8]. A gentle squeeze elicits a friendly reaction from the robot, while a hard squeeze results in an abrupt reaction.…”