Workshops & Tutorials

We are very excited to offer the attendees of the conference the following workshops / tutorials

Workshop: Skin mechanics and its role in manipulation and perception

Workshop Link

https://delhayeben.github.io/eh2022workshop.html

Organizers

Hannes Saal (corresponding)
David Gueorguiev
Benoit Delhaye
Michaël Wiertlewski
Laurence Willemet
Stephen Redmond

Abstract

During object interaction and tactile perception, our fingertips undergo complex time-varying mechanical deformations that are shaped by the mechanics and geometries of the skin tissues, bones, and nails, and the interacting objects or surfaces. The resulting strain pattern in turn excite different populations of mechanoreceptors in the skin. The precise spiking responses of these afferents are then transmitted to and interpreted by the central nervous system to generate an adequate motor response or give rise to a particular tactile percept. Therefore, a precise quantification of the strains and stresses taking place during tactile interactions can shed light on the information provided by the sense of touch and the mechanisms used by the central nervous system that underlie object manipulation and perception. This workshop gathers a panel of experts who have brought novel insights on the connection between skin mechanics and object manipulation or tactile perception, and will highlight the many recent advances that have been made in understanding the mechanical properties of the skin and how these affect neural responses and behavior.

Hands-on tutorial: Participatory Integration of Haptic Actuators and their Limitations

Workshop Link

https://www.grewus.de/en/eurohaptics-2022-workshop-sunday-22-05-2022/

Organizers

Grewus GmbH, Elisa Santella  (corresponding)

Abstract

The  workshop will offer a variety of different demonstrators and a modularized system in order to experience and evaluate core considerations when integrating active haptic actuators into any application. The main take-away is aimed at the influences of different decoupling strategies, the proper and fitting selection of haptic actuators, and the understanding for the need for accurate quantification of haptics for improvements based on the current build-up. We want to make clear, that the „golden finger“of a decision maker is not a reliable source for data-based decisions on different haptic profiles. Improvements/changes must be driven by data and evidence.Improvements/changes must be driven by data. The subjectiveness of “pleasant” perception will be displayed and discussed accordingly.

Interactive workshop: Infusing the Creative: How to Solve Haptic Challenges by Collaboration with Art, Design, and Non-Traditional Hapticians.

Workshop link

https://www.contaxtuallabs.org/eurohaptics-2022

Organizers

Daniel Evan Shor  (corresponding)

Abstract

The field of haptics is experiencing growth unlike ever before. The average haptic practitioner’s background is shifting towards human-computer interaction, and UI/UX rather than the psychophysics or roboticist academic community. Additionally, the objectives of haptics research projects are slowly changing – rather than attempting to create or understand a particular stimulation/response, projects are focused on the creation of experiences and multisensory simulations. While the prevalence of haptic feedback in products and devices is increasing, these integrations rarely offer increased impact compared to previous generations. In this workshop, we will explore why lacking interdisciplinary collaboration in haptics experience design is holding the discipline back, and how to better integrate diverse perspectives to produce better research, consumer products, and artistic installations. In this workshop, meet some of the artists, designers, and engineers collaborating to produce novel affective touch-based experiences. This half-day workshop will be made up of two parts, the first, a panel-based Q&A session will offer thought-provoking discussion from unique emerging perspectives in the haptic field. In the second half, explore some of the most pressing challenges within haptics from a new angle in breakout sessions designed to challenge existing ways of thinking and help participants see their own field in a new light.

Workshop: Mechanics and materials innovations to control fine touch

Workshop link

https://charlesdhong.com/eurohaptics-2022//

Organizers

Charles Dhong  (corresponding)
Roland Bennewitz
Matteo Bianchi 
Darren Lipomi

Abstract

Compared to vision or sound, touch remains a difficult sense to recreate with the same richness and variety as found in everyday life. One reason fine touch is so challenging to recreate is that the finger is both a sensor and source of tactile stimuli. The way a person touches an object changes the tactile stimuli. To better understand and control the finger/object interface, increase tactile dimensionality, and increase information density, we will bring together experts in soft matter mechanics and material interfaces to devise new strategies for next generation haptic actuators.