As the term “embodiment” suggests, the sense of touch is essential for experiencing realism and for
understanding and acquiring skills. Haptics is an interdisciplinary field that explores the science and technology of touch. It spans a wide range of domains, including neuroscience, cognitive psychology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science.
　Today, haptic technologies are embedded in familiar devices such as smartphones, automobiles, and VR systems, enriching our everyday interactions and information experiences. In robotics as well, tactile sensing and haptic feedback are indispensable for advanced tasks such as contact detection, dexterous grasping, and remote manipulation.
　Our laboratory seeks to uncover the mechanisms of human tactile perception and apply these insights to the development of innovative haptic technologies. We are engaged in creating immersive and intuitive haptic interfaces, various types of tactile display devices, signal processing and quantification methods for touch, as well as high-performance tactile sensors and remote control systems for robots.
　Specifically, we are developing augmented reality (AR) systems that record and share tactile experiences, realistic haptic streaming technology for smartphones, and systems for skill transfer through haptic feedback. We are also exploring technologies that relay contact information from remotely operated robots back to the operator, enabling a sense of embodied presence, as if the operator were physically experiencing the robot’s touch.