This research explores how physical embodiment and empathetic tone in AI agents affect our capacity to feel empathy toward others in need.

• Physical robots may generate different empathy responses than voice-only chatbots
• LLMs programmed with empathetic tone can influence human emotional responses
• Measured real helping behavior through willingness to volunteer time
• Provides insights into designing AI systems that can effectively foster prosocial behavior

Why it matters for Support: Understanding how AI embodiment and communication style influence empathy can help design more effective support systems that encourage helping behaviors, potentially transforming customer support, crisis intervention, and social assistance technologies.

Exploring the Effect of Robotic Embodiment and Empathetic Tone of LLMs on Empathy Elicitation