Stanford University · Structures as Sensors Lab · IRB Protocol #87666

Big Scary Robots

If you enjoy haunted houses and believe in science, we want to meet you.

Fill in the interest form (2 min)

What’s this about?

Can ordinary cameras and microphones pick up your body’s automatic responses, like heart rate, sweating and breathing, when you’re startled or frightened? That’s what we’re studying.

What you’d do

  1. Visit our lab on the Stanford campus, once.
  2. Wear a few non-invasive sensors on your fingers, chest and face, plus eye-tracking glasses. A camera and microphone record the session.
  3. Hear a few brief loud sounds.
  4. Get placed at random in one of 3 groups: a person and a robot move through the room near you, you watch a horror film, or both.
  5. You may be spooked, startled and uncomfortable. You can stop at any time.

About the films

Commercially released horror films, rated PG-13 or R. They may include frightening images, jump scares, violence, blood and gore, and some have flashing lights. You can pick a PG-13 film instead, or ask for a different film for any reason.

Time and pay

  • 1–2 hours, depending on your group.
  • $25 gift card, whichever group you’re in.

Who can join

Adults 18–65 who speak English.

Please skip this one if…

  • You want to avoid being frightened or startled
  • You don’t want to watch a horror film
  • PTSD, or an anxiety or panic disorder
  • Severe hearing impairment, hyperacusis or tinnitus
  • Severe visual impairment
  • A balance or mobility impairment
  • A seizure disorder
  • An allergy or sensitivity to medical adhesives

Sign up

Fill in the 2-minute interest form and we’ll email you to schedule a visit.

Fill in the interest form

Or email Amelie Bonde at abonde@stanford.edu with “Big Scary Robots” in the subject line. Please don’t include any health information.

Questions