Regaining a sense of belonging
Hugging Suit
Hugging Suit – Enhancing Remote Social Connection through Wearable Haptic Technology
The Hugging Suit bridges physical distance through remote haptic communication, creating a tangible sense of presence for people in long-distance relationships. Using advanced silicone actuators and e-textile sensors, it delivers realistic, programmable hugs to enhance emotional well-being. This innovation fosters social connection, inclusivity, and belonging, redefining how people maintain closeness and intimacy in remote and hybrid environments.
Finland
Regional
Aalto University, Uusimaa, Finland
Bauhaus University Weimar, Thuringia, Germany
Bauhaus University Weimar, Thuringia, Germany
Mainly urban
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Yes
2022-05-23
Yes
ERASMUS
No
No
As an individual
The Hugging Suit is a wearable haptic system that enhances emotional connection and reduces social isolation by simulating human hugs remotely. It addresses the rising need for meaningful digital interactions in an era of remote living, long-distance relationships, and digital work. The suit enables users to send and receive physical hugs, fostering belonging and emotional well-being.
Target Groups: It supports (1) remote students and professionals, (2) individuals in long-distance relationships, (3) families separated by migration or work, and (4) those benefiting from therapeutic touch, including mental health patients and elderly individuals.
Objectives & Outcomes: The project (1) develops immersive haptic communication, (2) improves well-being through social touch, (3) ensures accessibility for diverse users, and (4) provides a scalable model for remote communication and therapy. User studies confirm its effectiveness in reducing stress and strengthening emotional bonds. It integrates soft robotics and pneumatic actuation, offering a realistic, inclusive haptic experience.
Alignment with NEB Values & Territorial Challenges: The project prioritises Sustainability (modular, repairable materials), Inclusion (accessible design), and Aesthetics (seamless, intuitive interaction). It follows participatory design, multi-level engagement, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing growing social disconnection, it provides an innovative solution for regions lacking mental health support or facing increased isolation due to remote work and education.
Target Groups: It supports (1) remote students and professionals, (2) individuals in long-distance relationships, (3) families separated by migration or work, and (4) those benefiting from therapeutic touch, including mental health patients and elderly individuals.
Objectives & Outcomes: The project (1) develops immersive haptic communication, (2) improves well-being through social touch, (3) ensures accessibility for diverse users, and (4) provides a scalable model for remote communication and therapy. User studies confirm its effectiveness in reducing stress and strengthening emotional bonds. It integrates soft robotics and pneumatic actuation, offering a realistic, inclusive haptic experience.
Alignment with NEB Values & Territorial Challenges: The project prioritises Sustainability (modular, repairable materials), Inclusion (accessible design), and Aesthetics (seamless, intuitive interaction). It follows participatory design, multi-level engagement, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Addressing growing social disconnection, it provides an innovative solution for regions lacking mental health support or facing increased isolation due to remote work and education.
Mediated Social Touch
Affective Haptics
Wearable Haptic Interface
Remote Intimacy
Experimental Prototyping
The Hugging Suit incorporates sustainability through material efficiency, modularity, and energy-conscious design.
Key Objectives: (1) Reduce material waste by using lightweight, reusable, and 3D-printed components. (2) Extend product lifespan through modular design, allowing easy repairs and part replacement. (3) Minimise energy consumption by replacing traditional motorised actuators with a low-power pneumatic system.
How These Have Been Met: The suit’s soft robotic actuators are made using fabric-based air chambers instead of energy-intensive mechanical parts. Digital fabrication techniques optimise material usage, reducing production waste. Its modular construction allows users to replace individual parts rather than discard the entire system, supporting a circular economy approach.
Exemplary Sustainability Approach: The Hugging Suit demonstrates a scalable, repairable, and low-energy wearable design, setting a precedent for sustainable haptic interfaces. Unlike conventional electronic haptic devices, which rely on high-energy motors and non-recyclable materials, this system prioritises low-impact materials and efficient actuation methods. Additionally, its adaptability ensures long-term usability, reducing technological obsolescence. The project serves as an example of how affective technology can integrate sustainability principles without compromising functionality.
Key Objectives: (1) Reduce material waste by using lightweight, reusable, and 3D-printed components. (2) Extend product lifespan through modular design, allowing easy repairs and part replacement. (3) Minimise energy consumption by replacing traditional motorised actuators with a low-power pneumatic system.
How These Have Been Met: The suit’s soft robotic actuators are made using fabric-based air chambers instead of energy-intensive mechanical parts. Digital fabrication techniques optimise material usage, reducing production waste. Its modular construction allows users to replace individual parts rather than discard the entire system, supporting a circular economy approach.
Exemplary Sustainability Approach: The Hugging Suit demonstrates a scalable, repairable, and low-energy wearable design, setting a precedent for sustainable haptic interfaces. Unlike conventional electronic haptic devices, which rely on high-energy motors and non-recyclable materials, this system prioritises low-impact materials and efficient actuation methods. Additionally, its adaptability ensures long-term usability, reducing technological obsolescence. The project serves as an example of how affective technology can integrate sustainability principles without compromising functionality.
The Hugging Suit is designed to deliver an emotionally engaging and culturally adaptable haptic experience, balancing functionality, comfort, and aesthetics.
Key Objectives: (1) Ensure a visually and physically comfortable wearable form. (2) Design a haptic experience that replicates the warmth and pressure of a real hug. (3) Create a culturally adaptable interaction that respects diverse perceptions of touch and intimacy.
How These Have Been Met: The suit employs soft, textile-based actuators that provide gentle, natural-feeling pressure, rather than mechanical or vibrational feedback. The design follows ergonomic principles, ensuring a non-intrusive, lightweight, and body-conforming fit. Aesthetic choices, such as neutral and adaptable materials, allow for personalisation, making it more emotionally inviting.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike rigid, industrial-looking haptic devices, the Hugging Suit prioritises sensory comfort and natural expression. Its soft robotic actuation mimics organic movement, enhancing affective communication. The project highlights how technology can integrate emotional well-being with human-centred design, serving as an example of how mediated touch can enrich digital communication without sacrificing aesthetics or user comfort.
Key Objectives: (1) Ensure a visually and physically comfortable wearable form. (2) Design a haptic experience that replicates the warmth and pressure of a real hug. (3) Create a culturally adaptable interaction that respects diverse perceptions of touch and intimacy.
How These Have Been Met: The suit employs soft, textile-based actuators that provide gentle, natural-feeling pressure, rather than mechanical or vibrational feedback. The design follows ergonomic principles, ensuring a non-intrusive, lightweight, and body-conforming fit. Aesthetic choices, such as neutral and adaptable materials, allow for personalisation, making it more emotionally inviting.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike rigid, industrial-looking haptic devices, the Hugging Suit prioritises sensory comfort and natural expression. Its soft robotic actuation mimics organic movement, enhancing affective communication. The project highlights how technology can integrate emotional well-being with human-centred design, serving as an example of how mediated touch can enrich digital communication without sacrificing aesthetics or user comfort.
The Hugging Suit promotes inclusion by ensuring accessibility, emotional connection, and adaptability for diverse users. It is designed to bridge the gap for individuals experiencing social isolation, making remote intimacy more tangible and emotionally fulfilling.
Key Objectives: (1) Create a wearable interface accessible to users with varying physical abilities. (2) Provide an intuitive and culturally adaptable design to accommodate diverse backgrounds. (3) Ensure affordable and scalable production through modular and digital fabrication methods.
How These Have Been Met: The suit is lightweight, flexible, and easy to wear, making it accessible for users with limited mobility. Its simple interaction method (hugging gestures) eliminates complex controls, enabling effortless use across different age groups and abilities. The design respects cultural diversity in touch perception, allowing for adjustable pressure levels to accommodate individual comfort zones. Additionally, by utilising digital fabrication and modular components, production costs remain manageable, increasing potential affordability.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike traditional haptic devices tailored for niche applications, the Hugging Suit prioritises universal design principles, making mediated touch technology more inclusive. It demonstrates how haptic communication can foster social belonging, providing a scalable model for integrating remote intimacy solutions into daily life and well-being practices.
Key Objectives: (1) Create a wearable interface accessible to users with varying physical abilities. (2) Provide an intuitive and culturally adaptable design to accommodate diverse backgrounds. (3) Ensure affordable and scalable production through modular and digital fabrication methods.
How These Have Been Met: The suit is lightweight, flexible, and easy to wear, making it accessible for users with limited mobility. Its simple interaction method (hugging gestures) eliminates complex controls, enabling effortless use across different age groups and abilities. The design respects cultural diversity in touch perception, allowing for adjustable pressure levels to accommodate individual comfort zones. Additionally, by utilising digital fabrication and modular components, production costs remain manageable, increasing potential affordability.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike traditional haptic devices tailored for niche applications, the Hugging Suit prioritises universal design principles, making mediated touch technology more inclusive. It demonstrates how haptic communication can foster social belonging, providing a scalable model for integrating remote intimacy solutions into daily life and well-being practices.
The Hugging Suit was developed through an iterative, user-centred design process, incorporating feedback from individuals experiencing remote social isolation. Citizens, particularly students, remote workers, and individuals in long-distance relationships, played a key role in shaping the project.
Role and Level of Involvement: (1) Participatory Prototyping: Users engaged in testing early prototypes, providing feedback on comfort, usability, and emotional impact. (2) Co-Design Workshops: Participants contributed to interaction design by defining hug intensity, duration, and preferences, ensuring the experience felt authentic and inclusive. (3) Ethnographic Studies: Interviews and surveys with affected individuals helped refine the project’s real-world applicability and cultural sensitivity.
Impact of Citizen Involvement: This engagement led to ergonomic improvements, such as adjustable fit for different body types, and user-driven design enhancements, including pressure modulation for diverse comfort preferences. Additionally, it highlighted the psychosocial benefits of mediated social touch, reinforcing the project’s potential in well-being applications.
Exemplary Approach: The Hugging Suit demonstrates how haptic technology can be co-created with users, ensuring it meets genuine social and emotional needs. By integrating civil society in the design process, the project fosters a more inclusive and human-centred technological development model.
Role and Level of Involvement: (1) Participatory Prototyping: Users engaged in testing early prototypes, providing feedback on comfort, usability, and emotional impact. (2) Co-Design Workshops: Participants contributed to interaction design by defining hug intensity, duration, and preferences, ensuring the experience felt authentic and inclusive. (3) Ethnographic Studies: Interviews and surveys with affected individuals helped refine the project’s real-world applicability and cultural sensitivity.
Impact of Citizen Involvement: This engagement led to ergonomic improvements, such as adjustable fit for different body types, and user-driven design enhancements, including pressure modulation for diverse comfort preferences. Additionally, it highlighted the psychosocial benefits of mediated social touch, reinforcing the project’s potential in well-being applications.
Exemplary Approach: The Hugging Suit demonstrates how haptic technology can be co-created with users, ensuring it meets genuine social and emotional needs. By integrating civil society in the design process, the project fosters a more inclusive and human-centred technological development model.
The Hugging Suit engaged stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels, ensuring multidisciplinary collaboration in its development.
Role and Level of Involvement: (1) Local Level: University students and remote workers participated in user testing and co-design workshops, refining the suit’s ergonomics and emotional effectiveness. (2) Regional Level: Research institutions, including Aalto University and Bauhaus-University Weimar, contributed expertise in haptics, soft robotics, and affective computing, shaping the suit’s technical framework. (3) European Level: The project was showcased in academic and industry forums, facilitating discussions on the role of haptic technology in social connection and well-being.
Added Value of Stakeholder Engagement: This multi-level involvement ensured a holistic, scientifically validated design, balancing technical feasibility with real-world user needs. Local participation led to culturally adaptable and user-friendly features, while institutional collaboration provided access to cutting-edge research. The European-level engagement positioned the Hugging Suit within broader discussions on digital intimacy and social inclusion, expanding its impact and potential scalability.
Exemplary Approach: By integrating stakeholders across multiple levels, the project bridges technological innovation with societal needs, serving as a model for participatory and interdisciplinary design in human-centred haptic technology.
Role and Level of Involvement: (1) Local Level: University students and remote workers participated in user testing and co-design workshops, refining the suit’s ergonomics and emotional effectiveness. (2) Regional Level: Research institutions, including Aalto University and Bauhaus-University Weimar, contributed expertise in haptics, soft robotics, and affective computing, shaping the suit’s technical framework. (3) European Level: The project was showcased in academic and industry forums, facilitating discussions on the role of haptic technology in social connection and well-being.
Added Value of Stakeholder Engagement: This multi-level involvement ensured a holistic, scientifically validated design, balancing technical feasibility with real-world user needs. Local participation led to culturally adaptable and user-friendly features, while institutional collaboration provided access to cutting-edge research. The European-level engagement positioned the Hugging Suit within broader discussions on digital intimacy and social inclusion, expanding its impact and potential scalability.
Exemplary Approach: By integrating stakeholders across multiple levels, the project bridges technological innovation with societal needs, serving as a model for participatory and interdisciplinary design in human-centred haptic technology.
The Hugging Suit integrates expertise from human-computer interaction, haptics engineering, psychology, soft robotics, and digital fabrication, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to mediated social touch.
Disciplines and Their Contributions: (1) Haptics & Soft Robotics – Developed pneumatic actuators to simulate natural hug pressure. (2) Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) – Designed intuitive and immersive user experiences. (3) Psychology & Affective Science – Ensured the system evokes emotional comfort and connection. (4) Digital Fabrication – Enabled modular, repairable, and customisable wearable design.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Researchers in haptics and robotics worked alongside psychologists and HCI specialists to optimise hug realism and user perception. Fabrication experts refined the suit’s ergonomics and material selection, ensuring wearability and durability. User studies bridged research and real-world application, shaping the final design based on empirical feedback.
Added Value: This collaboration resulted in a holistic, scientifically validated design, balancing technical precision with human-centred usability. The interdisciplinary process ensured the Hugging Suit is not only a functional wearable but also an emotionally impactful experience, serving as a model for integrating affective haptics into future social technologies.
Disciplines and Their Contributions: (1) Haptics & Soft Robotics – Developed pneumatic actuators to simulate natural hug pressure. (2) Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) – Designed intuitive and immersive user experiences. (3) Psychology & Affective Science – Ensured the system evokes emotional comfort and connection. (4) Digital Fabrication – Enabled modular, repairable, and customisable wearable design.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Researchers in haptics and robotics worked alongside psychologists and HCI specialists to optimise hug realism and user perception. Fabrication experts refined the suit’s ergonomics and material selection, ensuring wearability and durability. User studies bridged research and real-world application, shaping the final design based on empirical feedback.
Added Value: This collaboration resulted in a holistic, scientifically validated design, balancing technical precision with human-centred usability. The interdisciplinary process ensured the Hugging Suit is not only a functional wearable but also an emotionally impactful experience, serving as a model for integrating affective haptics into future social technologies.
The Hugging Suit introduces a novel approach to mediated social touch, surpassing conventional haptic devices by prioritising affective, full-body haptic communication. Unlike mainstream haptic systems that rely on vibrotactile feedback, the Hugging Suit uses soft robotics and pneumatic actuation, delivering dynamic, pressure-based feedback that closely mimics real human hugs.
Key Innovations: (1) Pneumatic Actuator Matrix – A flexible, fabric-based system that enables localised, adjustable pressure, improving hug realism. (2) User-Centric Design – Developed through iterative testing, refining its emotional and ergonomic effectiveness. (3) Portable and Wearable Form – Unlike bulky haptic suits, it is lightweight, non-intrusive, and designed for everyday use.
Comparison to Mainstream Approaches: Most haptic wearables focus on VR immersion or tactile feedback for gaming, lacking emotional depth. The Hugging Suit shifts the focus to remote intimacy, mental well-being, and social connection, making it a pioneering solution in affective haptics.
Exemplary Innovation: By combining soft robotics, psychological research, and participatory design, the Hugging Suit redefines how technology can bridge emotional and physical distance, setting a new standard for haptic-mediated communication.
Key Innovations: (1) Pneumatic Actuator Matrix – A flexible, fabric-based system that enables localised, adjustable pressure, improving hug realism. (2) User-Centric Design – Developed through iterative testing, refining its emotional and ergonomic effectiveness. (3) Portable and Wearable Form – Unlike bulky haptic suits, it is lightweight, non-intrusive, and designed for everyday use.
Comparison to Mainstream Approaches: Most haptic wearables focus on VR immersion or tactile feedback for gaming, lacking emotional depth. The Hugging Suit shifts the focus to remote intimacy, mental well-being, and social connection, making it a pioneering solution in affective haptics.
Exemplary Innovation: By combining soft robotics, psychological research, and participatory design, the Hugging Suit redefines how technology can bridge emotional and physical distance, setting a new standard for haptic-mediated communication.
The Hugging Suit was developed using a Research-through-Design (RtD) approach, integrating iterative prototyping, user studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This methodology ensured a balance between technical feasibility and human-centred experience.
Key Methodological Steps: (1) User-Centred Design: Iterative prototyping involved co-design workshops and real-world testing with individuals experiencing remote social isolation. (2) Empirical User Studies: Surveys and qualitative interviews assessed emotional impact, comfort, and usability, refining the system’s haptic parameters. (3) Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engineers, psychologists, and HCI experts worked together to optimise hug realism, ergonomics, and emotional effectiveness. (4) Soft Robotics & Digital Fabrication: The suit was designed with modular pneumatic actuators, enabling localised, adaptive pressure feedback while maintaining wearability and sustainability.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike traditional haptic systems that focus solely on technical performance, this project integrates psychosocial needs with technological innovation. By embedding scientific validation, participatory design, and scalable engineering, the Hugging Suit demonstrates a replicable, human-centred model for mediated social touch.
Key Methodological Steps: (1) User-Centred Design: Iterative prototyping involved co-design workshops and real-world testing with individuals experiencing remote social isolation. (2) Empirical User Studies: Surveys and qualitative interviews assessed emotional impact, comfort, and usability, refining the system’s haptic parameters. (3) Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Engineers, psychologists, and HCI experts worked together to optimise hug realism, ergonomics, and emotional effectiveness. (4) Soft Robotics & Digital Fabrication: The suit was designed with modular pneumatic actuators, enabling localised, adaptive pressure feedback while maintaining wearability and sustainability.
Exemplary Approach: Unlike traditional haptic systems that focus solely on technical performance, this project integrates psychosocial needs with technological innovation. By embedding scientific validation, participatory design, and scalable engineering, the Hugging Suit demonstrates a replicable, human-centred model for mediated social touch.
The Hugging Suit is designed with scalability and adaptability, making its technology, methodology, and applications transferrable to diverse contexts.
Key Transferable Elements: (1) Modular Pneumatic Haptics – The soft robotic actuation system can be adapted for various wearable applications, including therapeutic devices, rehabilitation, and immersive virtual experiences. (2) User-centred Design Process – The iterative co-design and empirical user testing methodology can be applied to other human-computer interaction projects focused on emotional well-being. (3) Psychosocial Applications – The concept of mediated social touch can benefit long-distance families, mental health therapy, elderly care, and telepresence solutions. (4) Sustainable Wearable Development – The use of fabric-based actuators and modular components enables low-cost production and easy adaptation across industries.
Exemplary Transferability: The Hugging Suit sets a precedent for affective haptic communication, providing a scalable model for remote emotional interaction. Its methodology and technology can be integrated into digital health, assistive technologies, and future social haptics research, enhancing human connection beyond geographical barriers.
Key Transferable Elements: (1) Modular Pneumatic Haptics – The soft robotic actuation system can be adapted for various wearable applications, including therapeutic devices, rehabilitation, and immersive virtual experiences. (2) User-centred Design Process – The iterative co-design and empirical user testing methodology can be applied to other human-computer interaction projects focused on emotional well-being. (3) Psychosocial Applications – The concept of mediated social touch can benefit long-distance families, mental health therapy, elderly care, and telepresence solutions. (4) Sustainable Wearable Development – The use of fabric-based actuators and modular components enables low-cost production and easy adaptation across industries.
Exemplary Transferability: The Hugging Suit sets a precedent for affective haptic communication, providing a scalable model for remote emotional interaction. Its methodology and technology can be integrated into digital health, assistive technologies, and future social haptics research, enhancing human connection beyond geographical barriers.
The Hugging Suit addresses the growing global issue of social isolation and emotional disconnection, exacerbated by remote work, long-distance relationships, and limited physical interaction. The lack of physical touch significantly impacts mental well-being, increasing stress, anxiety, and loneliness.
Local Solution: The Hugging Suit offers a wearable, mediated social touch system, enabling emotionally meaningful physical interaction over distance. Through soft robotics and pneumatic actuation, it replicates natural human hugs, fostering emotional well-being and social belonging.
Challenges Addressed: (1) Mental Health & Well-being – The suit helps reduce stress and loneliness for individuals affected by remote living. (2) Ageing & Social Isolation – It supports elderly individuals and those in care facilities, enhancing their social and emotional engagement. (3) Global Mobility & Migration – It reconnects families, partners, and friends separated by distance, strengthening interpersonal relationships.
Exemplary Approach: While developed locally through academic and user-driven research, the Hugging Suit provides a scalable, transferrable solution applicable worldwide. By addressing psychosocial challenges with innovative haptic technology, it offers a new paradigm for human connection, applicable in therapy, telepresence, and digital intimacy solutions.
Local Solution: The Hugging Suit offers a wearable, mediated social touch system, enabling emotionally meaningful physical interaction over distance. Through soft robotics and pneumatic actuation, it replicates natural human hugs, fostering emotional well-being and social belonging.
Challenges Addressed: (1) Mental Health & Well-being – The suit helps reduce stress and loneliness for individuals affected by remote living. (2) Ageing & Social Isolation – It supports elderly individuals and those in care facilities, enhancing their social and emotional engagement. (3) Global Mobility & Migration – It reconnects families, partners, and friends separated by distance, strengthening interpersonal relationships.
Exemplary Approach: While developed locally through academic and user-driven research, the Hugging Suit provides a scalable, transferrable solution applicable worldwide. By addressing psychosocial challenges with innovative haptic technology, it offers a new paradigm for human connection, applicable in therapy, telepresence, and digital intimacy solutions.
The Hugging Suit aligns with the "Regaining a Sense of Belonging" category by addressing social isolation and emotional disconnection through mediated social touch. The project has demonstrated positive psychological and social impacts, particularly for individuals in long-distance relationships, remote workers, and those experiencing loneliness.
Key Results & Outcomes: (1) User Testing & Validation: Conducted iterative studies with participants, showing reduced stress and increased emotional comfort. (2) Technical Development: Developed a soft robotic pneumatic system that replicates natural hug sensations, outperforming traditional vibrotactile haptic devices. (3) Ergonomic & Wearable Design: Optimised for lightweight, adjustable, and comfortable use, making it accessible for diverse users.
Direct Beneficiaries: (1) Remote students & workers—enhancing social presence and emotional well-being. (2) Long-distance relationships & families—facilitating physical connection over distance. (3) Mental health applications—potential use in therapy and emotional regulation.
Indirect Beneficiaries: (1) Healthcare & elderly care sectors, integrating the Hugging Suit into social engagement and therapeutic interventions. (2) Researchers & designers, expanding affective haptics for social interaction.
Impact: By combining scientific research, participatory design, and haptic engineering, the Hugging Suit provides a scalable, human-centred approach to enhancing social connection, setting a foundation for future applications in digital intimacy and emotional well-being.
Key Results & Outcomes: (1) User Testing & Validation: Conducted iterative studies with participants, showing reduced stress and increased emotional comfort. (2) Technical Development: Developed a soft robotic pneumatic system that replicates natural hug sensations, outperforming traditional vibrotactile haptic devices. (3) Ergonomic & Wearable Design: Optimised for lightweight, adjustable, and comfortable use, making it accessible for diverse users.
Direct Beneficiaries: (1) Remote students & workers—enhancing social presence and emotional well-being. (2) Long-distance relationships & families—facilitating physical connection over distance. (3) Mental health applications—potential use in therapy and emotional regulation.
Indirect Beneficiaries: (1) Healthcare & elderly care sectors, integrating the Hugging Suit into social engagement and therapeutic interventions. (2) Researchers & designers, expanding affective haptics for social interaction.
Impact: By combining scientific research, participatory design, and haptic engineering, the Hugging Suit provides a scalable, human-centred approach to enhancing social connection, setting a foundation for future applications in digital intimacy and emotional well-being.
