The Hugging Robot

What makes a good hug? That’s what Ryder wants to know. Enter HuggieBot - a robot that helped discover the 11 “ingredients” of a meaningful embrace. We’ll learn why HuggieBot’s creator, Dr. Alexis Block, decided to build a hugging robot, and what a robot can tell us about why hugs matter so much to humans. Watch videos of HuggieBot in action and read the full episode transcript on ⁠our blog⁠. Vote for Tumble! We’re a finalist in the Signal Awards, and you can help us win the Listener’s Choice Award. Voting closes October 15. Join us on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble, hang out with us, and be featured on future episodes! Shop official Tumble merch Submit a science question Shop Tumble on Yoto Discover Tumble’s live events Subscribe to Tumble en Español