EmoFriends, developed by Prof. Stephen Jia Wang's team at the Research Centre for Future Caring Mobility, has been awarded the Silver Medal at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva . Prof. Wang attended the award ceremony in person at this widely recognized annual event devoted exclusively to invention, which showcases groundbreaking innovations from around the world.
EmoFriends is a modular toolkit that transforms ordinary plush toys into intelligent companion robots. Using patented Emosense technology, it tracks stress through touch and delivers AI-driven, personalized, emotion-aware conversations combined with haptic stimulation. The toolkit features advanced stress tracking, emotion-aware AI conversations, and modular components made from TPU via injection molding, ensuring durability and scalability for mass production.
As the first technology capable of understanding emotional states through touch, EmoFriends provides effective stress management, emotional support, and companionship in a comforting, relatable form. Its accessible and customizable design makes it adaptable across various plush toys, offering a unique tool for mental health support while maintaining sustainable design principles. This international recognition at Geneva Inventions Expo further establishes our lab's leadership in developing human-centered technologies for emotional wellbeing.
Press Contacts
Research Centre for Future (Caring) Mobility
PolyU School of Design
