Scientific Abstract & Vision
Author
Leonardo Tronci – High School Student, Independent Researcher in Neuropharma Design, Quartucciu (CA), Sardinia, Italy
Background
Pediatric patients undergoing clinical procedures frequently exhibit heightened psychophysiological stress responses, which can disrupt neuroendocrine homeostasis and compromise therapeutic adherence. Traditional interventions often lack developmental sensitivity and neurobiochemical adaptability. Recent advances in affective computing, immersive AR environments, and psychoneuroendocrine modeling offer promising avenues for emotionally responsive care.
Objectives
EmoPet MedTech & BioPharma Edition aims to operationalize a multimodal therapeutic interface that integrates biometric sensing (PPG, HRV, SpO₂), neurochemical simulation (virtual oxytocin, cortisol proxies), and adaptive holographic agents. The system is designed to modulate ambient stimuli and pet behavior in real time, aligning with the child’s emotional and physiological state to promote emotional regulation and neuroplastic resilience.
Methods
The prototype employs a wrist-worn sensor array and AR headset to capture biometric data and emotional input. These signals are processed via a neuroadaptive algorithm that simulates psychoneuroendocrine feedback loops. Holographic companions (Fritz & Lulù) respond with calibrated animations, voice modulation, and environmental shifts (e.g., chromotherapy, acoustic cues). The system architecture is informed by pediatric neurodevelopmental frameworks and PNEI principles. These signals are processed via a neuroadaptive algorithm that simulates psychoneuroendocrine feedback loops. Holographic companions (Fritz & Lulù) respond with calibrated animations, voice modulation, and environmental shifts (e.g., chromotherapy, acoustic cues). The system architecture is informed by pediatric neurodevelopmental frameworks and PNEI principles.
Satellite Data Integration
Copernicus Earth Observation: We utilized satellite data to analyze environmental factors in suburban areas where participating children reside. This included:
- Air quality monitoring (PM2.5, NO₂ levels)
- Green space distribution analysis
- Urban heat island mapping
- Accessibility to recreational areas
This geospatial analysis helped identify correlations between environmental stressors and emotional states in children unable to own pets.
Participant Feedback
Clinical Evaluation: Fifty structured questionnaires were administered to Dr. Roberto Diana's patients under strict confidentiality protocols. Responses were analyzed to identify key emotional needs and preferences for virtual pet interactions.
Results & Implementation
Preliminary simulations demonstrate enhanced emotional engagement, reduced sympathetic activation, and improved comfort indices. The system’s modular design allows deployment in clinical waiting rooms, telehealth platforms, and rehabilitation contexts. Emotional states selected by the child trigger tailored therapeutic sequences, fostering agency and reducing anticipatory anxiety.
Scientific Foundations
Scientific Foundations
- Conversational AI supports emotional validation and behavioral activation (DOI:10.3390/children12030359)
- AI–neuroscience convergence enhances adaptive learning in children (DOI:10.1007/s44436-025-00004-4)
- Emotion-aware robotics improve engagement in early interventions (DOI:10.3390/s25041161)
- Self-soothing behaviors mediated by oxytocin release (Uvnäs-Moberg et al., 2014) (PubMed:24966838)
- Oxytocin improves emotion recognition in ASD youth (Guastella et al., 2010) (PubMed:20167315)
- Oxytocin attenuates cortisol stress response (Cardoso et al., 2013) (PubMed:23916705)
- Psychosocial treatments reduce anxiety in ASD children (White et al., 2019) (PubMed:31301094)
- Digital therapeutics for pediatric anxiety disorders (Johnson & Lee, 2021) (PubMed:34090512)
Vision & Collaboration
EmoPet is a research prototype authored by Leonardo Tronci, a high school student and independent innovator in neuropharma design. The project is open to interdisciplinary collaboration across pediatric neuroscience, affective computing, and therapeutic AR. Institutions, clinicians, and funders are invited to support its evolution toward clinical validation and scalable deployment.
3D Prototype Preview
Prototype v0.1—Visore AR, sensore PPG e animali olografici. In attesa di finanziamenti per sviluppo completo. Interactive Pediatric AR Wellness Kit This prototype showcases two wearable devices used in pediatric augmented reality therapy: A VR/AR headset with an interactive display showing Fritz and Lulù, the holographic emotional support pets. A biometric smartwatch that monitors heart rate and stress level to personalize the AR experience. The goal is to improve emotional comfort in children before medical procedures. The scene represents a soft, friendly waiting room where the child receives calming support via real-time feedback. This is a concept project by Leo Tronci, 2025. We are open to collaborations with academic institutions, health organizations, and technology developers to advance this prototype into real applications.
Interactive Clinical Simulation
Choose how you feel before the doctor’s visit and let Fritz or Lulù guide you.
Select an emotion to begin the simulation
AR-Enhanced Virtual Pet Therapy
The child wears an AR headset that overlays holographic pets—Fritz and Lulù—into the real environment. A wrist-worn PPG sensor continuously measures heart rate and sends data over BLE to an ESP32. The AR application’s engine interprets the biometric feedback in real-time to:
- Adjust ambient lighting color and intensity
- Modulate pet animation speed and gestures
- Trigger calming audio cues or breathing prompts
[ Wrist PPG Sensor ] ───► [ ESP32 + BLE ]
│ │
▼ ▼
Raw PPG data AR Scene Engine
filtered │
& smoothed ▼
┌───────────┐
│ Biofeedback Mapping │
└─────┬─────┘
│
┌──────────┴──────────┐
│ │
Ambient Light Control Pet Animation Control
Hardware
- MAX30102 PPG sensor (heart rate & SpO₂)
- ESP32-BLE microcontroller (BLE GATT profile)
- WebXR-capable AR headset or smartphone in a visor
Software
- Web Bluetooth API for real-time BLE data
- Three.js + GLTF loader for hologram rendering
- Custom biofeedback mapping module (JavaScript)
Future Enhancements
- Dynamic heart-rate zones (e.g. cool blues below 70 bpm, warm ambers above 90 bpm)
- On-screen "Zen Bar" that fills as the child's heart rate stabilizes
- Spatial audio with directional cues from the pet
- Integration of EEG headband for combined PPG + brainwave feedback
- Mobile companion app for parents to track session summaries and metrics
Technologies Applied
AI Frameworks
- TensorFlow for emotion recognition
- PyTorch for neural network modeling
- Scikit-learn for data analysis
Web Technologies
- React.js for interactive interfaces
- Tailwind CSS for responsive design
- WebXR for augmented reality
Hardware Components
- PPG sensors for heart rate monitoring
- ESP32-BLE for wireless communication
- WebXR-capable AR headsets
PharmaTech & Biochemistry
Exploring emotion-based feedback in pediatric pharmacology: neurotransmitter release (endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin) and compliance enhancers via "chemical storytelling.
Neuroendocrine Pathways & Non-Pharmacological Intervention
Oxytocin Modulation Mechanism
The virtual interaction framework is designed to stimulate neuroendocrine responses consistent with oxytocin release, a neuropeptide associated with:
- Stress reduction and social bonding (Uvnäs-Moberg et al., 2014)
- Enhanced emotional regulation (Guastella et al., 2010)
- Decreased cortisol levels (Cardoso et al., 2013)
Biomarker-Responsive Design
While direct oxytocin measurement requires invasive procedures, our system tracks proxy biomarkers:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) as stress indicator
- Respiratory patterns correlated with ANS activation
- Behavioral markers (vocal tone, interaction patterns)
Complementary Pharmacology
The system provides a non-pharmacological alternative that may:
- Reduce medication burden in pediatric populations
- Complement pharmacological therapies by enhancing treatment adherence
- Mitigate side effects associated with anxiolytics
Neurotransmitter Modulation
Virtual stimulation techniques designed to trigger positive neurochemical responses in pediatric patients.
Chemical Storytelling
Narrative-driven interventions that enhance medication compliance through emotional engagement.
Scientific Collaborations
Dr. Roberto Diana
Therapeutic Ecosystems Expert - Blue Zone Movement
Collaborating on narrative triggers and therapeutic environments for emotional regulation in children.
"Movere in Salus" Team
Research Group - Ethics & Childhood Rights
Collaborating on health and environmental education and ethical frameworks for children's rights.
Access & Print
Scan to read Leo's full research paper.