BREATH: Breathing Robot for Enhancing Athletic Training and Health

While breathing exercises have been around for centuries, a new modern approach involving robotics could enhance the effectiveness of such exercises. In this research paper, we explore creating the robot BREATH—Breathing Robot for Enhancing Athletic Training and Health—that can perform box breathing exercises, a type of breathing exercise that improves cognition and heart rate. Our proposed design is a 3D-printed double linear action robot with two opposite-facing linear actuators, a Raspberry Pi, and a speaker. The robot fits in small enclosures, such as stuffed animals and pillows. Our robot expands and contracts in four-second intervals while playing inhale and exhale sound effects. As a result, our robot demonstrates the continued potential for robots to be used in everyday life, such as physical exercise and daycare.