EmoMime: Augmenting Social Behavior and Self-Expression via Wearable Robotic Limbs

While hand-over-face gestures serve as critical multimodal channels for conveying emotions, existing Supernumerary Robotic Limbs (SRLs) have been designed primarily for external task execution using rigid structures. This task-oriented design poses significant challenges for delicate interactions near the face. We propose EmoMime, a novel wearable robotic system designed to augment social behavior and self-expression within the peripersonal space. By integrating a human-like hand for semantic expressiveness with a bio-inspired flexible arm for passive safety, the system resolves the trade-off between safety and expression. This unique configuration ensures physical and psychological safety, enabling natural non-verbal communication in close proximity to the face. In the demonstration, the user can experience augmented social presence through scenarios such as expressive amplification, social mediation, and self-regulation, showcasing a future where technology physically embodies our internal states.