@contaktlab.bsky.social
#Research lab led by Prof. Merle Fairhurst. We explore the cognitive and neurophysiological correlates of social affective touch and interpersonal coordination.
The new book Humans, Robots and Virtual Worlds in the Tactile Internet is now available! With CeTI, we're excited to have contributed chapters to this forward-looking volume on the future of immersive tech and human-machine interaction.
Get it: shop.elsevier.com/books/humans...
Today we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science
The 2026 theme highlights the power of connecting AI, social science, STEM and finance to build inclusive futures.
At our team βled by a woman committed to empowering women in scienceβ inclusion is foundational.
Call for Contributions for a NeuroImage Special Issue led by Merle Fairhurst (CeTI/@tudresden.bsky.social) and
@nicohinrichs.bsky.social (@mpicbs.bsky.social)
Focus: hyperscanning, inter-brain coupling, multimodal neuroimaging, VR/AR/haptics and computational model
Interesting paper by Banerjee et al. (2025) on a multi-user haptic glove & sleeve system for VR. Especially compelling is the focus on shared tactile feedback across physically distant users.
A great step toward social touch in VR.
arxiv.org/pdf/2502.13421
Digital touch has evolved from vibrations to immersive haptics, raising unique ethical challenges. Passive digital touch in particular demands careful attention to ethics, as increasingly realistic haptics can shape sensations, beliefs, and well-being.
Read our blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Our Spotlight on Tactile Sensitivity brought together experts to explore individual differences in touch, from social touch research to tactile sensor development.
Great visit and exchange from the teams of Ilona Croy and @utasailer.bsky.social
We're proud to be part of CeTI Phase 2
Weβre advancing research on social affective touch in VR, studying neural correlates, stress buffering, trust, and co-presence using haptics, thermal feedback, and immersive social scenarios.
So excited for what's to come
Some people love hugs. Others step back, and thatβs not a problem.
Our new article explores touch aversion as an adaptive response shaped by many factors: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Are you a touch seeker or prefer to keep your distance? Why might that be?
Kicking off the year with a new publication!
Our recently published article in the Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology explores social interaction, trust, and human connection.
Read here: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/...
New preprint coauthored by Merle Fairhurst and @irenevalori.bsky.social
We compare touch vs. verbal comforting and find that touch boosts emotional empathy but can also increase personal distress.
Read it here: osf.io/preprints/ps...
A big congratulations to the team of colleagues at @mila-quebec.bsky.social behind this innovation!
Get yours: scicortex.com
Join us on 05.12.25 at @tudresden.bsky.social for
"Closing the Learning Loop: From Research to Schools and Back" organized by CeTI.
Talks include:
β’ Social inclusion interventions
β’ VR stress & mindfulness research
β’ CeTI & QUARKS in the classroom
β’ Panel discussion
Info: irene.valori@tu-dresden.de
New #InsideConTaktLab episode: Masterβs student Pinar Ekin presents her Microsensory Vibrotactile Touch Study, exploring how different touch experiences shape physical, neural and subjective responses.
21.11.2025 00:20 β π 0 π 0 π¬ 0 π 0
What role does causality play in explaining robot behavior?
Join us on 21 Nov 2025 at BAR I-15 for a CeTI workshop bringing together philosophy, law, engineering and neuroscience to rethink explanations in HRI and AI
More info at www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Register: team.kaesling@tu-dresden.de
Our postdoc @irenevalori.bsky.social will be speaking at the PONS Conference next week, presenting her work at CeTI on touch in virtual reality, which explores how immersive tech can help us understand and simulate social touch.
ponspadova2021.wixsite.com/pons-2021/co...
#VR #SocialTouch
We'd like to hear your thoughts:
How can haptic technology enhance our emotional and physical connection to music beyond traditional listening?
In what ways might multisensory approaches like touch and movement improve accessibility and inclusion in musical performance?
What if we could not only hear music but also feel it?
Haptics and immersive tech are redefining how we experience sound, making concerts more embodied, inclusive, and unforgettable.
Read the post by @irenevalori.bsky.social: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
New paper by @IreneValori in Nature Scientific Reports!
Study shows neurotypical people prefer socially engaged partners (even if delayed), while autistic participants favor partners who are both prompt and engaged.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
#Autism #Research
Introducing our new series #InsideConTaktLab
In our first episode, Masterβs student Helene KrΓ€mer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR.
Watch how we study the science of touch below.
#SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience
Internship opportunity!
Join the Trust and Touch project at @tudresden_de CeTI @TactileInternet
Explore how touch builds trust in human and robot interactions using fNIRS, VR and haptic tech.
Dresden, Germany
irene.valori@tu-dresden.de
More info: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
The exhibition βMensch, Roboter! β Robotik aus der Dresdner Wissenschaftβ officially opened at the COSMO Forum on Oct 2!
Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into humanβrobot trust.
On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026.
#MenschRoboter #COSMO2025
We'd like to ask you: What rhythms of care do you turn to when you need comfort?
Let us know in the replies.
#Neuroscience #Touch #Evolution
Our new blog post explores how touch, rhythm and voice evolved as tools for care and connection. From a mother catβs lick to a human lullaby, soothing behaviours unite all mammals.
Read the blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Why would you trust a robot? Our COSMO VR exhibit explores trust through immersive, embodied interaction.
Here's a short demo of our exhibition, now live at the COSMO Wissenschaftsforum. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #COSMO
Can trust in robots arise from shared presence?
Our COSMO VR demo explores affect and interaction in human-robot relations. We now have pictures of our setup, which will open this Thursday at the COSMO Forum. See you there!
www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Dresden #COSMO
Join us online on Sept 22β23 youtube.com/channel/UCd6...
Check the full programme here: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Olaf Blanke (EPFL ) at #SocialBridges:
"Neuroscience of the Sense of Self & its Relevance for Presence" explores embodiment, multisensory integration & self-other distinction in VR/XR, towards new forms of selfhood.
Join us online on Sept 22β23 youtube.com/channel/UCd6...
Check the full programme here:
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Kristine Nowak (@uconn.bsky.social) at #SocialBRIDGES:
What Presence and βBeing Thereβ Means for Being Here
Presence is powerful, but more isnβt always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.
