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.