SASSIE helps prevent awkward gaps in conversation

Whether it’s with an old friend or new acquaintance, we’ve all had those awkward gaps in conversation. Do you speak next, or let the other person lead the discussion? If that’s not happening naturally, then SASSIE, or “System for Awkward Silence Solution and Interaction Enhancer,” is here to help.

The cylindrical device detects audio feedback via a pair of microphones positioned near each person in a conversation. When a sufficient silence is detected, SASSIE pops a flag out and rotates to indicate who needs to talk. If that wasn’t enough of a hint, it also audibly tells that person to say something. 

SASSIE is powered by dual Arduino Uno boards, one of which takes care of the bulk of the control functions, while the other actuates the stepper to spin the top indicator.