ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Affective haptics

Affective haptics is when machines or devices can make you feel emotions through touch. Just like when mommy or daddy gives you a hug and you feel loved, affective haptics can make you feel happy or sad, scared or calm, all from touching you in different ways.

For example, a robot that is programmed with affective haptics might touch you gently and slowly to make you feel relaxed, or it might tap you quickly and sharply to make you feel startled. It can also make you feel emotions like happiness, anger, or fear by adjusting the pressure or temperature of its touch.

This technology is important because it allows machines to communicate and connect with humans in a more natural way. It can help people feel more comfortable using machines and can even be used to improve therapy for people with anxiety or other emotional disorders.

Overall, affective haptics is a way for machines to communicate emotions through touch, just like how mommy or daddy can make you feel loved with a hug.