Future Spaces Vision Lab
YOUBLUE
Understanding Perceptions of
Robotic Biofeedback for Emotion Regulation
By Mirna Zordan
with Zhang Minghong and Pei Jiakun.
This study aims to explore human perceptions towards a robotic
biofeedback system designed to support emotion regulation for
non-clinical populations. We developed and implemented YOUBLUE,
a robot-based emotion regulation system driven by breathing and heartbeat signals. Unlike traditional screen-based or wearable biofeedback systems, the proposed system is based on an open-source accessible robot, rebuilt and implemented to deliver perceivable biofeedback, enabling users to become aware of their physiological states and actively regulate them in a more natural and immersive way.
Through this mechanism, users’ internal physiological signals are externalized and embodied as expressive responses, fostering a self-empowering experience of emotion regulation. Furthermore, this study investigates how the robot’s appearance influences users’ perceptions and acceptance to evaluate whether robotic embodied biofeedback can serve as a medium that enhances user engagement and psychological connectedness in emotion regulation processes.
Robot inspired by Blue, BDX Prototype by Disney, NVIDIA GTC 2025 Developer Conference
Open access source: https://github.com/apirrone/Open_Duck_Mini
