NeckMate: A Wearable Robot That Links Speech and Temperature

Existing systems for emotional support for people experiencing loneliness have relied on single modalities such as speech or touch. We propose NeckMate, a neck-pillow-shaped robot that integrates linguistic and tactile information to effectively convey emotions and provide reassurance. Worn around the neck, the robot engages in natural dialogue using a large language model while presenting temperature via a Peltier element according to the polarity of its utterances. By synchronizing warmth with positive messages and coolness with negative ones, the robot creates a bodily sense of companionship. Its low-cost, home-deployable design aims to mitigate growing global loneliness.