The Institute for Future Technologies (IFT) hosted Easa Ali Abbasi, a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics, for a research collaboration and a talk on tactile perception and haptics in Human–Computer Interaction.
This invitation provided an opportunity to explore recent advances in understanding touch through a sensorimotor perspective, while fostering exchanges with the academic community at De Vinci Higher Education.
A research exchange focused on tactile perception
As part of its research activities, the Institute for Future Technologies welcomed Easa AliAbbasi, a postdoctoral researcher in the Sensorimotor Interaction Group at the Max Planck Institute for Informatics. His visit combined a scientific talk with discussions involving students, researchers, and supervisors from De Vinci Higher Education.
The exchanges addressed both theoretical and applied aspects of haptics, a field at the intersection of perception, movement, and interaction design.
This research collaboration aligns with IFT’s interest in emerging interaction paradigms and advanced interfaces that integrate human factors at the core of technological development.
The Max Planck Institute for Informatics
The Max Planck Institute for Informatics conducts foundational research in computer science to advance knowledge and support innovation across key domains.
Its research spans from the theoretical foundations of algorithms and logic to large-scale systems such as the Internet, as well as multimodal fields including computer vision, computer graphics, databases and information systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
By connecting these areas within a collaborative research environment, the institute maintains high scientific standards and contributes to the evolution of computing through scientific publications, software development, and data production.
Understanding touch through the sensorimotor loop
Entitled Sensorimotor Loop of Tactile Perception, the talk focused on how tactile perception emerges from continuous interactions between action and sensory feedback.
Traditional open-loop models of touch describe perception as a linear process, from stimulus to response. While these models provide useful conceptual frameworks, they tend to overlook the role of movement and active exploration.
The sensorimotor approach presented during the talk considers perception as an ongoing process shaped by exploratory actions. Touch is viewed as dynamic, continuously adjusted through motor behaviour. This perspective contributes to a more accurate understanding of how humans interact with physical and digital environments through tactile cues.
Implications for haptic system design
Beyond perceptual models, the talk also addressed how these concepts inform the design of haptic systems. Designing tactile interfaces that respect sensorimotor contingencies enables interactions that remain closer to natural human behaviour.
Several approaches were discussed, including vibrotactile feedback and electroadhesive tactile displays. These technologies aim to reproduce meaningful tactile sensations while accounting for how users move, explore, and adapt their actions.
Such considerations are particularly relevant for applications in virtual environments, assistive technologies, and advanced human–machine interfaces.
Research expertise at the intersection of touch and interaction
Easa AliAbbasi’s research focuses on understanding the human sense of touch and translating this knowledge into interactive systems. His work spans vibrotactile feedback, the design and characterization of tactile displays, and methodological tools for studying haptic perception.
His current research interests include Human–Computer Interaction, haptics, artificial intelligence applied to tactile systems, and the role of haptics in AI-driven environments. These themes echo current challenges in interaction design, where sensory feedback becomes a key component of immersive and adaptive systems.
The Institute for Future Technologies: a multidisciplinary research environment
The Institute for Future Technologies brings together a community of students and supervisors involved in hands-on, project-based learning. Multidisciplinarity guides its activities, encompassing robotics, environmental preservation, new mobility solutions, space technologies, and artificial prosthetics.
Members of the institute work with advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, 3D and 4D printing, and skin-based interfaces, while also addressing industrialisation processes.
This context provides a suitable framework for research topics related to haptics and sensorimotor interaction that require cross-disciplinary collaboration among engineering, design, and the human sciences.
Strengthening research dialogue within De Vinci Higher Education
By hosting international researchers, IFT contributes to sustained scientific dialogue and knowledge sharing within De Vinci Higher Education.
Easa AliAbbasi’s visit supported discussions on emerging research directions in Human–Computer Interaction and tactile technologies, while offering students exposure to current academic research practices.
Learn more about ESILV’s research strategy