Abstract
Soft robotics is an exciting new field of robotics that uses non-traditional ma terial and has a non-rigid design, making it an ideal way to design a robotic compan ion. Robotic companions are becoming common and can be found helpful in treating dementia by providing comfort and a sense of companionship to the patients or pro moting a healthier lifestyle. The current iteration shares a common goal of providing interaction for those who need it, though the interaction type varies from user to user. This thesis proposes a soft robotic companion robot design that uses acupuncture and acupressure principles to help provide companion and relaxation to users. Inspired by the hedgehog, the robot proposes a unique interaction and uses existing and early research on the pressure point and stimulates those points