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.
Pinned
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
@nicohinrichs.bsky.social (@mpicbs.bsky.social)
Focus: hyperscanning, inter-brain coupling, multimodal neuroimaging, VR/AR/haptics and computational model
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
@nicohinrichs.bsky.social (@mpicbs.bsky.social)
Focus: hyperscanning, inter-brain coupling, multimodal neuroimaging, VR/AR/haptics and computational model
February 4, 2026 at 12:06 PM
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
@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
A great step toward social touch in VR.
arxiv.org/pdf/2502.13421
February 2, 2026 at 2:55 PM
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
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...
Read our blog: tu-dresden.de/ing/elektrot...
January 27, 2026 at 5:14 PM
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...
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
Great visit and exchange from the teams of Ilona Croy and @utasailer.bsky.social
January 21, 2026 at 11:11 AM
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
Great visit and exchange from the teams of Ilona Croy and @utasailer.bsky.social
We're proud to be part of CeTI Phase 2
We’re 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
We’re 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
January 18, 2026 at 9:29 PM
We're proud to be part of CeTI Phase 2
We’re 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
We’re 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 that’s 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?
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?
January 12, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Some people love hugs. Others step back, and that’s 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?
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/...
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/...
January 6, 2026 at 11:50 AM
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/...
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...
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...
December 11, 2025 at 12:14 PM
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...
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
Get yours: scicortex.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM
A big congratulations to the team of colleagues at @mila-quebec.bsky.social behind this innovation!
Get yours: scicortex.com
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:
• 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
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
[email protected]
More info: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
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
[email protected]
More info: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
Research internship | ConTakt Lab TU Dresden
𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬
The Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) at Technische Universität Dresden invites applications for two on-site (Dresden) internship positions within the "...
www.linkedin.com
October 16, 2025 at 11:22 AM
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
[email protected]
More info: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
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
[email protected]
More info: www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
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...