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Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines:
Topic 2019: Empathetic Machines:
Can interactions between human and
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machines be more
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effective if we can empathise with the device because of it's
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anthropomorphic behaviour? Can such devices, in turn, empathise with us? We are social animals, and a large portion of our brain is dedicated to social tasks, from recognising emotions to predicting the thoughts and intentions of
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other humans and creatures. It, therefore, makes sense that we utilise these capabilities when designing interactions.
But how might everyday interactive devices be improved by anthropomorphic characteristics? Would we be more likely to partake in sustainable consumption of electronics if devices were more sympathetic? This year's Physical Computing project will attempt to answer some of these questions
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while drawing inspiration from robotics to physically
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prototype interactive devices with empathetic qualities and anthropomorphic behaviours
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.
Distinctly non-human forms can be highly evocative of human qualities
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, and basic geometric forms can convey agency and complex behaviours through motion alone (Heider and Simmel 1944). For this reason, we will focus on
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primitive forms with expressive behaviour through motion, using simple electromechanical actuators, in combination with sensors and microcontrollers.
Expectations and Grading
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