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Analgesic effect of robotic stroking with speech.
Kota Nieda1, Taishi Sawabe2, Masayuki Kanbara3
1Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan. nieda.kota.nf4@is.naist.jp.
Scientific Reports
|June 29, 2026
Summary
Robotic stroking combined with speech significantly increases pain thresholds, offering a non-pharmacological approach to pain relief. This multimodal interaction proves more effective than touch or speech alone.
Area of Science:
- Human-Robot Interaction
- Pain Perception
- Non-pharmacological Interventions
Background:
- Stroking with speech is common in healthcare for anxiety and pain relief.
- Robotic stroking with speech shows potential for enhanced emotional responses.
- Quantitative analgesic effects of this multimodal interaction require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if robotic stroking with speech modulates pain perception.
- To examine if this interaction increases pain thresholds compared to stroking alone.
- To utilize the gate control theory as a framework for understanding the effects.
Main Methods:
- An experiment involving 37 healthy volunteers.
- Measurement of pain thresholds using electrical stimulation.
- Comparison of three conditions: No Interaction, Stroking Only, and Stroking with Speech.
Main Results:
- Both Stroking Only and Stroking with Speech significantly increased pain thresholds compared to No Interaction.
- Stroking with Speech resulted in a significantly higher pain threshold than Stroking Only.
- The findings support the analgesic potential of combined robotic touch and speech.
Conclusions:
- Robotic stroking with speech effectively modulates pain perception.
- This multimodal approach offers enhanced analgesic effects over stroking alone.
- It presents a promising non-pharmacological intervention for pain management.
Keywords:
AnalgesiaGate control theoryHuman–robot interactionMultimodal interactionPain thresholdSocial touch
