Robotic Armpit



Why did Kevin Grennan make a robot that simulates the functions and odors of a human armpit? Certain scents, his research revealed, manipulate human emotional reactions:

It was important to me that the odours and chemicals came from within the robots and that they were an integrated means for them to communicate with the humans who would surround them. Each robot that I have augmented with a 'sweat gland' emits a particular chemical that has a specific effect on humans and the chemical has been chosen to further enable the robot's primary function.

In the case of the bomb disposal robot the 'sweat gland' releases the smell of human fear. It has been proven that humans can identify this specific smell and it tends to enhance cognitive performance in. I propose that this robot would enable surrounding humans to work more effectively and to differentiate dangerous situations from false alarms.

In the case of the picker robot. It releases a chemical called androstadienone, which is found in male sweat. This has be shown in research to effect mood in females under certain circumstances. I have speculated that this robot when used on a production line could enhance the performance of female employees in it's vicinity.


Link and Project Website -via Boing Boing

Comments (3)

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Hmmm...well. I guess there's now one reason I can be thankful for some of the side-effects of working in retail for years, because it's honed my politely-ending-conversations-and-quickly-getting-away skills!

Body language helps a lot, use it!
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I just close my eyes, cover my ears and start screaming while counting up... I usually open an eye to have a peek when I'm around 15 seconds and most times the other person is gone. However, sometimes people don't know how to react and will stand there and stare at me, unable to process what is going on. If by 30 seconds (second peek) the person is still there, I'll start running away as fast as I can while still covering my ears and counting (eyes should be open at that point tho, I tried with eyes closed once and it didn't end well, I was stuck with the person for 20 minutes until ambulance arrived). If by 45 seconds the person followed me when I ran away, well by then they deserve a conversation, so I'll stop running and screaming and just invite them to my house for coffee. Not a lot of people come to my house.
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@everwhere

right, because they've got the exclusive rights to intentionally crudely drawn comics on the internet?

i've read the entirety of both the oatmeal and hyperbole and a half. they are not the same, nor is one a 'rip off' of the other. they are sovereign entities.

how's *your* awesome website that you make enough money to live off of going?

that's what i thought.
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