This study is the result of a collaboration between the PIS research group and the Department of Engineering and Geology of the University of Chieti-Pescara. Our research hypothesis is that modulating the thermal properties of a robot’s tactile interface—conceived not merely as a technical parameter, but as a material prosthesis of affective touch—engenders a feedback loop that reshapes users’ emotional and physiological states during haptic human–robot interaction. Drawing on findings that human body temperature influences trust, prosocial behavior, and anxiety regulation, we propose that a warm, human-like robotic touch will reduce stress and enhance social bonding, whereas a cooler touch may undermine these affective processes. This perspective extends established research on interpersonal tactile perception and the anthropomorphic dynamics of social robotics.

To investigate this, we conducted an experimental study in which a NAO humanoid robot, outfitted with thermally adjustable hands, engages 28 young adult participants in a structured hand‐holding interaction under three thermal conditions—warmer than, equal to, or cooler than a typical human hand. Infrared thermography captures autonomic responses during the tactile exchange, while complementary self‐report questionnaires assess perceived comfort, trust, and emotional attunement. This inquiry, hosted by the Philosophy Department of Milan University, aims to refine our understanding of affective haptics in robotics and inform the design of emotionally attuned interactive systems.