Augmenting Human With a Tail

Human-augmentation devices have been extensively proposed and developed recently and are useful in improving our work efficiency and our quality of life. Inspired by animal tails, this study aims to propose a wearable and functional tail device that combines physical and emotional-augmentation modes. In the physical-augmentation mode, the proposed device can be transformed into a consolidated state to support a user's weight, similar to a kangaroo's tail. In the emotional-augmentation mode, the proposed device can help users express their emotions, which are realized by different tail-motion patterns. For our initial prototype, we developed technical features that can support the weight of an adult, and we performed a perceptional investigation of the relations between the tail movements and the corresponding perceptual impressions. Using the animal-tail analog, the proposed device may be able to help the human user in both physical and emotional ways.