Reflection on Affective Haptics: Current Research and Future Directions

The emerging field of Affective Haptics, as detailed in this paper, holds a lot of potential in the human-computer interaction industry, especially with regards to how seamlessly and beneficially signal processing/communication can be integrated into our natural environment. Of the different applications of affective haptics covered in this paper, perhaps the most thought-provoking ones is human-robot interaction.

According to the paper, affective haptics has yet to develop a “pervasive, unobtrusive, and natural haptic interface” that can receive and respond the same way humans do. Specifically, they discuss the idea of having robots in future homes that can interact with humans the way other humans do. But why might someone want a robotic home companion that can process, respond, and maybe even feel human emotions? This application of affective haptics reminds me of I, Robot, in particular, the ethical dilemmas of human-computer interaction. Maybe a person who lives alone wants a robotic companion that can assist them physically and emotionally. However, if we are designing a robot that can “understand” our emotions and respond to us emotionally, are robots then entitled to our rights (i.e. norms on how we should be treated)?  

Aside from the more sci-fi avenues of affective haptics, the impact of this field has already started integrating in our world. Your Apple watch can send digital touches/heart beats to your loved ones. Tactile simulation prototypes have been shown to help enhance emotional competence in children with autism. The applications are wide-ranging and have potential to assist, engage, and supplement human interaction. However, the field may be developing quicker than the ethics that go along with it.