Spread Your Wings: Soft Floating Robotic Avatar with Flapping Wings for Physical Interactions
ACM SIGGRAPH 2025 Emerging Technologies
ABSTRACT
We demonstrate a new robotic avatar concept in which pilots can embody a fish-like form, “swimming” through indoor spaces to interact, play, and accompany others remotely. Our soft flapping-wing floating avatar offers three merits: (1) The soft body and blade-free design enable safe, close-proximity flight around people; (2) The wings not only provide propulsion but also serve as a medium for physical interaction, allowing affective gestures such as hugs, shoulder pats, and high-fives; and (3) The bioinspired design provides a more organic and lifelike movement compared to propeller-based avatars, potentially enhancing the sense of presence and evoking a feeling of interacting with a living creature. Furthermore, by mimicking the flapping flight of birds, pilots can control the avatar through body movements, while engaging in interactions with others through the avatar’s soft body and wings. This work opens new possibilities for telepresence and introduces a wing-based approach to remote physical interactions.
Keywords:
Affectionate behavior, Positive affection, Close-proximity interaction, Soft floating robot, Flapping-wing robot
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