Users can write something that annoys them on a ceramic tile and then safely smash it with a hammer. Source: Michal Luria

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University have developed a series of robots that are to be stabbed, punched and sworn at, so users have an outlet for their frustrations.

Called cathartic objects, the series of robots includes four different kinds that users can unload on.

Robot 1 is a mop-like robot that wiggles in response to being poked or stabbed with something sharp. Robot 2 is a block-like, geometric-shaped device that glows red in response to hearing swear words. Robot 3 is a fabric doll-like bot that provokes with an irritating laugh that does not stop until the user hits it. Robot 4 is a yellow plastic cartridge that houses a ceramic tile. Users vent their frustration by writing what is bothering them on the ceramic tile, before safely smashing the tile with a hammer.

Born from the theory that bottling up and suppressing anger is dangerous, the bots allow users to express negative emotions and channel rage, according to the research team. The researchers also suggest that these expressions of anger might lead to a user's higher tolerance to pain and improved reactions to being wronged.

“Negative emotions are unpleasant, but they are necessary,” Michal Luria, a doctoral student in human-computer interaction at the university and leader of the team who created the robots. “I suggest that technology can help us channel our negative emotions in a healthier way, that doesn't hurt the people around us.”

For now, Luria is testing prototypes of the bots at home, documenting the interactions. Depending on the success of the testing, Luria will eventually test the bots with other people.

The researchers detail their work in a paper titled Challenges of Designing HCI for Negative Emotions. To see the bots, watch the accompanying video that appears courtesy of Cathartic Objects.