Emotion-Adaptive Pneumatic Haptic Systems for Affective Movie Experiences: Integrating Biomimetic Robotics and Machine Learning

This paper presents an innovative pneumatic haptic system integrating biomimetic robotics, machine learning, and emotional engagement in cinema. Our soft robotic tactile interface, inspired by biological mechanisms, enhances movie-watching experiences through dynamic shape changes and texture patterns mimicking natural sensations. We investigate how these biologically-inspired interactions affect viewers' emotional connections to movie content. Our two-stage study demon-strates that emotions can be conveyed through biomimetic haptic stimuli and examines the impact of congruent and non-congruent feedback on emotional experiences. Additionally, we introduce a machine learning approach enabling real-time detection and response to viewers' emotional states, creating an adaptive, personalized cinematic experience. This system also provides valuable feedback for cinema managers and directors. Our work advances the intersection of robotics, biomimetics, affective computing, and human-computer interaction, contributing to the development of emotionally adaptive interfaces for entertainment applications.