ConTaktLab
@contaktlab.bsky.social
#Research lab led by Prof. Merle Fairhurst. We explore the cognitive and neurophysiological correlates of social affective touch and interpersonal coordination.
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:
• Social inclusion interventions
• VR stress & mindfulness research
• CeTI & QUARKS in the classroom
• Panel discussion
Info: [email protected]
"Closing the Learning Loop: From Research to Schools and Back" organized by CeTI.
Talks include:
• Social inclusion interventions
• VR stress & mindfulness research
• CeTI & QUARKS in the classroom
• Panel discussion
Info: [email protected]
November 26, 2025 at 11:44 AM
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:
• Social inclusion interventions
• VR stress & mindfulness research
• CeTI & QUARKS in the classroom
• Panel discussion
Info: [email protected]
"Closing the Learning Loop: From Research to Schools and Back" organized by CeTI.
Talks include:
• Social inclusion interventions
• VR stress & mindfulness research
• CeTI & QUARKS in the classroom
• Panel discussion
Info: [email protected]
New #InsideConTaktLab episode: Master’s student Pinar Ekin presents her Microsensory Vibrotactile Touch Study, exploring how different touch experiences shape physical, neural and subjective responses.
November 21, 2025 at 12:20 AM
New #InsideConTaktLab episode: Master’s student Pinar Ekin presents her Microsensory Vibrotactile Touch Study, exploring how different touch experiences shape physical, neural and subjective responses.
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
November 18, 2025 at 11:16 AM
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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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
ponspadova2021.wixsite.com/pons-2021/co...
#VR #SocialTouch
November 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
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
ponspadova2021.wixsite.com/pons-2021/co...
#VR #SocialTouch
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...
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...
November 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
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...
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
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
November 5, 2025 at 8:54 PM
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
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, Master’s student Helene Krämer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR.
Watch how we study the science of touch below.
#SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience
In our first episode, Master’s student Helene Krämer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR.
Watch how we study the science of touch below.
#SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience
November 4, 2025 at 9:32 AM
Introducing our new series #InsideConTaktLab
In our first episode, Master’s student Helene Krämer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR.
Watch how we study the science of touch below.
#SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience
In our first episode, Master’s student Helene Krämer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR.
Watch how we study the science of touch below.
#SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience
The exhibition “Mensch, Roboter! – Robotik aus der Dresdner Wissenschaft” officially opened at the COSMO Forum on Oct 2!
Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into human–robot trust.
On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026.
#MenschRoboter #COSMO2025
Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into human–robot trust.
On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026.
#MenschRoboter #COSMO2025
October 14, 2025 at 10:04 AM
The exhibition “Mensch, Roboter! – Robotik aus der Dresdner Wissenschaft” officially opened at the COSMO Forum on Oct 2!
Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into human–robot trust.
On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026.
#MenschRoboter #COSMO2025
Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into human–robot trust.
On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026.
#MenschRoboter #COSMO2025
Our new blog post explores how touch, rhythm and voice evolved as tools for care and connection. From a mother cat’s lick to a human lullaby, soothing behaviours unite all mammals.
Read the blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Read the blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
October 8, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Our new blog post explores how touch, rhythm and voice evolved as tools for care and connection. From a mother cat’s lick to a human lullaby, soothing behaviours unite all mammals.
Read the blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
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
Here's a short demo of our exhibition, now live at the COSMO Wissenschaftsforum. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #COSMO
October 6, 2025 at 10:59 AM
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
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
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
September 29, 2025 at 9:43 AM
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
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
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.
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.
September 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM
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.
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.
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Kristine Nowak (@uconn.bsky.social) at #SocialBRIDGES:
What Presence and “Being There” Means for Being Here
Presence is powerful, but more isn’t always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.
Prof. Kristine Nowak (@uconn.bsky.social) at #SocialBRIDGES:
What Presence and “Being There” Means for Being Here
Presence is powerful, but more isn’t always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.
September 17, 2025 at 10:33 AM
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Kristine Nowak (@uconn.bsky.social) at #SocialBRIDGES:
What Presence and “Being There” Means for Being Here
Presence is powerful, but more isn’t always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.
Prof. Kristine Nowak (@uconn.bsky.social) at #SocialBRIDGES:
What Presence and “Being There” Means for Being Here
Presence is powerful, but more isn’t always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Mel Slater (UniBarcelona, Event Lab) at #socialBRIDGES-Presence:
"Advances in the Theory and Evaluation of Presence" explores how and why we experience the illusion of being present in virtual environments.
Sept 22–23, 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuGK...
Prof. Mel Slater (UniBarcelona, Event Lab) at #socialBRIDGES-Presence:
"Advances in the Theory and Evaluation of Presence" explores how and why we experience the illusion of being present in virtual environments.
Sept 22–23, 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuGK...
September 15, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Keynote spotlight:
Prof. Mel Slater (UniBarcelona, Event Lab) at #socialBRIDGES-Presence:
"Advances in the Theory and Evaluation of Presence" explores how and why we experience the illusion of being present in virtual environments.
Sept 22–23, 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuGK...
Prof. Mel Slater (UniBarcelona, Event Lab) at #socialBRIDGES-Presence:
"Advances in the Theory and Evaluation of Presence" explores how and why we experience the illusion of being present in virtual environments.
Sept 22–23, 2025 www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuGK...
New paper out!
A systematic review of evidence on touch interventions and their effects on arousal and self-regulation, highlighting their potential in stress and pain management and broader medical use.
Read it here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
A systematic review of evidence on touch interventions and their effects on arousal and self-regulation, highlighting their potential in stress and pain management and broader medical use.
Read it here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
September 9, 2025 at 10:03 AM
New paper out!
A systematic review of evidence on touch interventions and their effects on arousal and self-regulation, highlighting their potential in stress and pain management and broader medical use.
Read it here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
A systematic review of evidence on touch interventions and their effects on arousal and self-regulation, highlighting their potential in stress and pain management and broader medical use.
Read it here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
What does trust in a robot feel like?
Our COSMO VR installation explores this question through and more. From 02.10.2025 to 27.02.2026 at COSMO, the exhibit explores trust as an emotional and embodied response in human–robot interaction. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
Our COSMO VR installation explores this question through and more. From 02.10.2025 to 27.02.2026 at COSMO, the exhibit explores trust as an emotional and embodied response in human–robot interaction. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
September 4, 2025 at 8:51 AM
What does trust in a robot feel like?
Our COSMO VR installation explores this question through and more. From 02.10.2025 to 27.02.2026 at COSMO, the exhibit explores trust as an emotional and embodied response in human–robot interaction. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
Our COSMO VR installation explores this question through and more. From 02.10.2025 to 27.02.2026 at COSMO, the exhibit explores trust as an emotional and embodied response in human–robot interaction. www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
Can simulated touch help us feel connected?
At ConTakt Lab we explore how VR and pseudohaptics (visuals, sounds, resistance) can recreate the comfort of touch without skin contact.
Could this change how we bond in digital spaces?
tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
At ConTakt Lab we explore how VR and pseudohaptics (visuals, sounds, resistance) can recreate the comfort of touch without skin contact.
Could this change how we bond in digital spaces?
tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
August 19, 2025 at 8:32 AM
Can simulated touch help us feel connected?
At ConTakt Lab we explore how VR and pseudohaptics (visuals, sounds, resistance) can recreate the comfort of touch without skin contact.
Could this change how we bond in digital spaces?
tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
At ConTakt Lab we explore how VR and pseudohaptics (visuals, sounds, resistance) can recreate the comfort of touch without skin contact.
Could this change how we bond in digital spaces?
tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
Why would you trust a robot?
Our COSMO VR exhibit invites you to experience this question firsthand. From Oct 2, 2025 to Feb 27, 2026 at Kulturpalast Dresden.
www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #Forschungfüralle #Wissenschaftskommunikation #COSMO
Our COSMO VR exhibit invites you to experience this question firsthand. From Oct 2, 2025 to Feb 27, 2026 at Kulturpalast Dresden.
www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #Forschungfüralle #Wissenschaftskommunikation #COSMO
August 4, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Why would you trust a robot?
Our COSMO VR exhibit invites you to experience this question firsthand. From Oct 2, 2025 to Feb 27, 2026 at Kulturpalast Dresden.
www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #Forschungfüralle #Wissenschaftskommunikation #COSMO
Our COSMO VR exhibit invites you to experience this question firsthand. From Oct 2, 2025 to Feb 27, 2026 at Kulturpalast Dresden.
www.cosmo-wissenschaftsforum.de/robotik/
#MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #Forschungfüralle #Wissenschaftskommunikation #COSMO
Touch = faster decisions, but not better ones?
This study, co-authored by our chair and a team member, finds haptic feedback leads to quicker reactions, esp. on mobile. Yet learning accuracy stays the same across sensory cues.
www.cell.com/heliyon/full...
This study, co-authored by our chair and a team member, finds haptic feedback leads to quicker reactions, esp. on mobile. Yet learning accuracy stays the same across sensory cues.
www.cell.com/heliyon/full...
July 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Touch = faster decisions, but not better ones?
This study, co-authored by our chair and a team member, finds haptic feedback leads to quicker reactions, esp. on mobile. Yet learning accuracy stays the same across sensory cues.
www.cell.com/heliyon/full...
This study, co-authored by our chair and a team member, finds haptic feedback leads to quicker reactions, esp. on mobile. Yet learning accuracy stays the same across sensory cues.
www.cell.com/heliyon/full...
Why does a child flinch from touch but quietly accept a baby’s hand?
The film System Crasher meets neuroscience in our new post linking trauma, trust and touch.
Read our article: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
The film System Crasher meets neuroscience in our new post linking trauma, trust and touch.
Read our article: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
July 7, 2025 at 3:01 AM
Why does a child flinch from touch but quietly accept a baby’s hand?
The film System Crasher meets neuroscience in our new post linking trauma, trust and touch.
Read our article: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
The film System Crasher meets neuroscience in our new post linking trauma, trust and touch.
Read our article: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
At this year's ##LNDWDD, we showcased how touch and technology are becoming more deeply intertwined in our daily lives. Thanks everyone for stopping by!
June 23, 2025 at 8:39 AM
At this year's ##LNDWDD, we showcased how touch and technology are becoming more deeply intertwined in our daily lives. Thanks everyone for stopping by!
At ConTakt Lab, we explore how digital touch shapes our sense of self and others. In our recent blog, we reflect on how trust, embodiment, and vulnerability are central to mediated touch experiences: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
June 18, 2025 at 10:54 AM
At ConTakt Lab, we explore how digital touch shapes our sense of self and others. In our recent blog, we reflect on how trust, embodiment, and vulnerability are central to mediated touch experiences: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
From subway poles to soft fur, touch not only informs us, but helps us feel ourselves.
New blog post on touch, body schema and self-perception: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
We want to hear from you: How has touch shaped your sense of self?
New blog post on touch, body schema and self-perception: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
We want to hear from you: How has touch shaped your sense of self?
June 16, 2025 at 11:26 AM
From subway poles to soft fur, touch not only informs us, but helps us feel ourselves.
New blog post on touch, body schema and self-perception: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
We want to hear from you: How has touch shaped your sense of self?
New blog post on touch, body schema and self-perception: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
We want to hear from you: How has touch shaped your sense of self?
Harvard’s 2025 commencement speaker, Dr. Abraham Verghese, reminded us: in a tech-driven world, healing begins with human connection.
A timely, moving call for empathy in medicine: edition.cnn.com/2025/05/26/u...
A timely, moving call for empathy in medicine: edition.cnn.com/2025/05/26/u...
June 13, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Harvard’s 2025 commencement speaker, Dr. Abraham Verghese, reminded us: in a tech-driven world, healing begins with human connection.
A timely, moving call for empathy in medicine: edition.cnn.com/2025/05/26/u...
A timely, moving call for empathy in medicine: edition.cnn.com/2025/05/26/u...
At #IASAT2025, Merle Fairhurst's poster explores the dual roles of touch in healthcare: as a social bridge in clinical care and as a therapeutic tool in haptic-based rehab. Understanding the difference matters, for science and better patient outcomes. iasat2025.uni-jena.de
June 11, 2025 at 9:05 AM
At #IASAT2025, Merle Fairhurst's poster explores the dual roles of touch in healthcare: as a social bridge in clinical care and as a therapeutic tool in haptic-based rehab. Understanding the difference matters, for science and better patient outcomes. iasat2025.uni-jena.de