I worked as part of a team of designers, engineers and researchers at the Human Computer Interaction Institute (HCII) at Carnegie Mellon University to identify ways in which robotic technologies could aid the elderly. We identified countless opportunities for robotic devices to provide physical assistance, but found that enhancing communication with family was a more desirable use of technology.

The HUG is a product concept that uses sensing technology and internal activators to augment voice communication with touch, warmth, lights, and sound.