ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-2819-7687
Degree
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Major(s)
Software Engineering
Document Type
Temporary Embargo for Patent/Proprietary Reasons then Open Access
Abstract
This research investigates the therapeutic effects of an adaptive haptic heartbeat within Therabot, a stuffed robotic dog. A simulated haptic heartbeat that adjusts its own speed based on user heart rate was developed for integration within Therabot. A user study evaluated the effects of various heartbeat behaviors on user experiences with Therabot, with respect to improvements in self-reported state anxiety, physiological improvements, and perceptions of the robot. A relationship was found between improvements in self-reported state anxiety and positive opinions of Therabot, regardless of condition. Additionally, differences were found between conditions with respect to improved aspects of state anxiety, with the adaptive heartbeat condition showing significant improvements in the most aspects. There were no significant differences in overall user experiences between the no heartbeat, static heartbeat, and adaptive heartbeat conditions. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of haptic heartbeats in socially assistive robots.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.54718/WHDD4088
Date Defended
4-29-2025
Funding Source
NSF Grant IIS-1900883; Bagley College of Engineering Undergraduate Student Research Award
Thesis Director
Dr. Cindy L. Bethel
Second Committee Member
Dr. J. Adam Jones
Third Committee Member
Dr. Eric D. Vivier
Recommended Citation
Thompson, Jade, "Exploring the Impacts of an Adaptive Haptic Heartbeat within a Socially Assistive Robot" (2025). Honors Theses. 149.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/honorstheses/149
Rights Statement
"Exploring the Impacts of an Adaptive Haptic Heartbeat within a Socially Assistive Robot", Copyright 2025 by Jade E. Thompson. This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND. Note that in addition to my own works of authorship, this thesis may contain and provide citations to third party content. If your use goes beyond fair use, you would need to contact those rights holders for additional licensing/permissions.
