Softly Non-Spoken: Exploring the Potential of Soft Robotics to Support Non-Verbal Communication

Existing Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies aim to support people with communication disability participate more fully in life and society, but these often prioritize linguistic and spoken modes of expression. Embracing a broader view of communication that includes non-verbal and embodied expressions, this interdisciplinary project explored the potential of soft robotics for developing AAC technologies that create opportunities for more nuanced forms of communication. To do this, the Softly Non-Spoken project facilitated interdisciplinary workshops and developed soft robotic objects which were then used as probes to explore how such technologies might support expressive, affective non-verbal communication. Results suggest that soft robotics materials and functions offer potential in this design space, including compelling possibilities for object-enabled human interaction that could offer more individual control around communication. The findings also propose a conceptualization of communication that encompasses embodied expression and could cultivate ambiguity and intrigue in future AAC design.