AI - Driven Design of a Robotic Companion with Feline-Inspired Behaviors for Stress Relief

The rising levels of stress and anxiety among university students have become increasingly alarming, largely driven by academic pressures, social expectations, and the transition to adulthood. These challenges often result in a decline in mental well-being, necessitating innovative solutions to help ease the burden. This paper presents the design and development process of Purry, a social robot inspired by cat behaviors, created to provide stress relief for university students. Purry was designed to of Fer emotional comfort in a unique way, harnessing the calming effects of pet-like interactions. The design process focused on achieving both aesthetic appeal and functional efficiency, combining modern and traditional technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and low-cost materials, following the double diamond methodology. The robot mimics feline behaviors like kneading and purring, exploring both active and passive tactile interactions, which have been shown to reduce stress through sensory stimulation. Iterative development cycles, guided by user feedback, led to significant advancements in balancing form and function. The final result is a robotic experience that combines emotional support with innovative design, offering a product that not only addresses students' mental health needs but also fosters an engaging and comforting presence in their environment.