BellyRub

One-line Definition

A tactile and auditory companion device that extends the bond between people and their pets during separation.

Brief

BellyRub explores how a non-living object can carry familiar pet behaviours through touch, movement and sound. It is designed for owners who travel, work long hours or cannot keep a pet nearby. Rather than imitating a complete robotic animal, the product focuses on a small set of emotionally meaningful interactions.

Problem

Pet owners often experience loneliness, guilt and reduced emotional support when separated from their animals. Existing companion products may offer sound, vibration or visual response, but rarely maintain a direct connection to the behaviours of a real pet. The challenge was to create comfort without pretending to replace the animal.

Research & Insights

Research examined multisensory interaction, emotional durability and the Tamagotchi effect, which shows how repeated care can create attachment to non-living objects. Interviews and market studies indicated that touch, sound and visible consequence are more important than technical complexity. Competitor analysis identified a gap between generic emotional robots and products linked to a specific real pet.

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Design Opportunity

The opportunity was to use recognisable pet gestures as a compact emotional language. Patting, shaking and resting a hand on the device could trigger different responses without requiring instructions. A soft, durable object could also become a long-term companion rather than a novelty gadget.

Concept Development

The interaction combines a touch-sensitive belly, motion sensing and stored audio associated with the user's pet. Patting can trigger a calming response, while shaking or movement creates playful sound and vibration. A Raspberry Pi coordinates the sensors and outputs, allowing the prototype to demonstrate a simple emotional feedback loop.

Form Development

A belly-up cat posture was chosen because exposing the abdomen signals trust and safety in familiar pets. The body uses a rounded, relaxed silhouette with a smooth belly area as the primary interaction surface. Plush texture and restrained facial detail make the object approachable without turning it into a literal toy replica.

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Structure & Prototyping

The prototype combines a printed internal shell, soft silicone belly, plush outer body, sensors, speaker and control board. The rigid core supports electronics and motion, while the silicone surface distributes touch and preserves a soft hand feel. Components are arranged so the belly remains accessible and the centre of gravity stays stable during handling.

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Testing & Iteration

Prototypes tested body scale, belly softness, touch response and the relationship between sound and motion. The fabrication process included 3D printing, sanding, silicone moulding and circuit assembly. Iteration refined the thickness of the soft surface and reduced delays between user action and feedback.

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Final Design

The final object appears as a relaxed pink companion with a soft interactive belly and compact internal electronics. Its response system is intentionally limited and legible, allowing the user to build familiarity through repetition. The product balances physical comfort, playful character and a trace of the real pet relationship.

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Use Scenario

When the owner is away from home, BellyRub can sit on a bed, sofa or desk as a familiar tactile object. The user pats the belly to hear a calming response or gently shakes the device for a playful interaction. These short exchanges provide an emotional pause without claiming to substitute for contact with the real animal.

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Outcome

The project shows that emotional interaction can be built from a small number of carefully selected sensory cues. It strengthened skills in soft-material prototyping, physical computing and the design of long-term attachment. Future work could personalise sounds and behaviour using data contributed by the owner and pet.