Vikram Singh Parmar is a Professor and Head of the Department of Design at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), where he leads innovation initiatives since September 2024. His academic career spans institutions such as National Institute of Design (NID) in India and TU Delft in the Netherlands, with a focus on design innovation, health technology, and sustainable development. Education: Bachelor of Architecture (APIED, Vallabh Vidyanagar) Master of Industrial Design (IDC, IIT Bombay) PhD in Industrial Design Engineering (TU Delft) His research emphasizes design innovation , health technology , and sustainable development , particularly addressing global challenges like antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health equity . He has developed frameworks for gamification in health education and pioneered AI-based decision support systems for early cerebral palsy diagnosis . Recent publications focus on One Health innovations, escape room pedagogy , and AMR education strategies. His work bridges artificial intelligence , human-computer interaction , and persuasive technology to solve critical health and development issues. At NTNU, he teaches courses like "From Idea to Prototype" and "Innovation in Global Health" , integrating design thinking with real-world health challenges. His leadership involves building innovation ecosystems through academic-industry collaborations, government funding, and technology commercialization efforts.
Bernhard Riecke is Professor at Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts & Technology, specializing in human-centered technologies. His research explores how immersive virtual environments can enhance spatial cognition, induce transformative experiences, and support mental well-being. Research focuses on multisensory integration in VR, including spatial orientation mechanisms, vection illusions, and applications in therapeutic contexts like exposure therapy for phobias. Recent work examines how biofeedback and embodied interaction can foster mindfulness and emotional resonance in mixed-reality systems. As founder of the iSpace Lab, he mentors graduate students in projects spanning VR-induced awe, cybersickness mitigation, and cross-modal perception. His collaborative work integrates artistic practice with technological innovation to create meaningful immersive experiences.
Vinayak Krishnamurthy is an Associate Professor and J. Mike Walker '66 Career Development Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, with affiliate appointments in Computer Science & Engineering. He directs the Mixed Initiative Design Lab (MIDL), working at the intersection of computer-aided design, human-computer interaction, and artificial intelligence. Research develops computational frameworks for generative design, human-AI collaboration, geometric/topological modeling, and mixed reality interfaces. Innovations include topological interlocking systems for multi-robot additive manufacturing, statistically self-similar structures via chaos algorithms, and speech-based design tools for young learners. Recent honors include multiple ASME best paper awards and an NSF CAREER award. Teaching spans mechanical engineering and data science courses, with recognition through college-level teaching awards. Publications demonstrate strong interdisciplinary integration of computational geometry, human-centered AI, and advanced manufacturing.
Guillaume Morel is a Professor of Robotics at Sorbonne University, where he currently serves as the head of the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics (ISIR). He is a member of the ASIMOV research team, focusing on advanced robotics and human-robot interaction. His work is centered on medical robotics, particularly in surgical and assistive applications. His research interests include medical robotics , human-robot interaction , assistive and rehabilitation robotics , surgical robotics , prosthetics , and control systems . A key contribution is the concept of comanipulation, which integrates user and robotic sensory-motor loops to enhance assistance. His recent publications (2022–2024) reflect a strong focus on wearable robotics, surgical safety, and adaptive control. Articles frequently explore force control, bone breach detection, prosthetic control, and supernumerary robotic limbs, indicating a trend toward intelligent, responsive, and safe human-centered robotic systems. Hands-free teleoperation and virtual body-to-robot links Force and torque-based surgical safety in spine procedures Adaptive and closed-loop control for prosthetics Supernumerary and wearable robotic assistance Human locomotion and exoskeleton control Scientific Contributions and Leadership: Created the first CTI-certified robotics engineering program (2007) Founded the first INSERM-certified medical robotics research team (2010) Directed Carnot-Interfaces, an industrial partnership structure (2016) Holds multiple patents in medical robotics and surgical systems Guillaume Morel has supervised numerous researchers and students, contributing to advancements in prosthetics, surgical robotics, and human-robot collaboration. His work is supported by strong institutional affiliations and industrial partnerships. He leads the ISIR and is actively involved in guiding research teams, securing certifications, and fostering innovation in medical robotics. His lab, ASIMOV, is at the forefront of developing robotic systems that seamlessly integrate with human motor functions.
Bart Hengeveld is an Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology's Department of Industrial Design, specializing in the 'body language' of the Internet of Things and the role of sound in computational technologies. His research focuses on how embedded systems present themselves appropriately in human environments, with particular attention to tangible user interfaces (TUIs), social interaction design, and data embodiment. Academic Background: BSc/MSc in Industrial Design Engineering from Delft University of Technology (2003), PhD at TU/e (2011) Key Roles: Member of the ACM TEI Steering Committee, Program Chair of TEI’16 in Eindhoven Teaching: Awarded two Teacher of the Year titles, oversees courses like 'The Sound of Smart Things' and 'From Idea to Design' Research Interests emphasize sound as a communication medium for ubiquitous technologies, including projects on public displays for nursing homes (R2S system), pedestrian trajectory sonification, and embodied passwords. His work bridges design, computer science, and social sciences, with over 50 publications in venues like TEI, CHI, and Creativity & Cognition. Notable Projects: LOOP (physical data artifact), Slots-Memento (intergenerational storytelling), and LinguaBytes (language learning for toddlers) Awards: Multiple teaching accolades for innovative pedagogy Current affiliations include the Future Everyday research cluster and the Making With… group, exploring speculative design and embodied interaction paradigms.
Professor Carl Verschuur is a leading academic at the University of Southampton, specializing in hearing science and cochlear implant technology. His research focuses on enhancing auditory perception through sensory substitution systems and investigating inflammatory mechanisms in age-related hearing loss. Member of the Institute for Life Sciences Active projects include DSE Award for medical device translation, Flexi Grant, and RNID Studentships Key research areas include cochlear implant optimization , inflammatory biomarkers for hearing loss , and tactile speech perception systems . His recent publications address noise-robust signal processing and electrode integrity testing. External engagements include invited speaking roles at the University of Manchester (2011) and presentations on topics ranging from music perception in implant users to PPIE initiatives in auditory research.
Zonghe Chua is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical, Computer, and Systems Engineering at Case School of Engineering, Case Western Reserve University. His research focuses on developing intelligent telerobotic systems that enhance human-robot interaction through advanced haptic feedback and machine learning. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University (2022), an MS from Stanford (2020), and a BS from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2015). Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2022 MS in Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 2020 BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2015 Research Interests: Development of haptic interfaces and sensors for teleoperator systems Medical robotics integration and control Machine learning applications for robot perception and feedback systems Awards and Memberships: Thinkbox Faculty Fellow (2023) Member of IEEE/RAS Technical Committees on Telerobotics and Haptics Advising and grants information is not specified in the provided text. No lab or team affiliations are explicitly mentioned.
Dr. Evelyn Muschter is a postdoctoral researcher at the Chair of Lifespan Developmental Neuroscience at Technische Universität Dresden, part of the Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-loop (CeTI) . Her work focuses on integrating human perception science with technological advancements in the Tactile Internet, particularly addressing tactile and multisensory systems, attention mechanisms, and lifespan developmental aspects of perception. She employs experimental techniques like psychophysics and neurophysiological measurements to bridge neuroscience and technology. Dr. Muschter holds a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Science from the University of Trento, Italy, and a Master’s in Cognitive Science from the same institution, alongside a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Cleveland State University, USA. Her current research emphasizes human-in-the-loop technology development, including haptic codecs, human-guided machine learning, and evaluation of TaHiL devices. Key projects involve creating large-scale kinematic datasets (e.g., CeTI-Age) to study aging-related changes in human motion and perception. She collaborates across disciplines to address challenges in tactile signal compression, wearable device design, and inclusive technology standards (e.g., IEEE 1918.1.1-2024). Her work underscores the importance of human-centered design for diverse populations. Dr. Muschter values CeTI’s interdisciplinary environment, which enables methodological innovation and cross-field collaboration. Future research priorities include exploring how societal adoption of the Tactile Internet evolves over time and across generations.
Donna Szoke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Visual Arts at Brock University, specializing in interdisciplinary art practices. Her work spans video, installation, animation, and research-creation, addressing themes like haptic perception, non-visual knowledge, and critical theory. She has exhibited globally, including in Canada, the US, Europe, and Asia, with notable installations such as The Breathing Tree and Forgotten Portrait . She holds an MFA and BFA from Simon Fraser University and a BA from the University of Winnipeg. Her research has been supported by grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, and SSHRC. In 2017, she received the Brock Faculty of Humanities Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity. She actively contributes to academic initiatives like the Global Justice and Humanities Practices Initiative and the Research Centre in Interdisciplinary Arts and Creative Culture. Her teaching includes courses in digital video and experimental media, integrating pedagogical innovation through grants like the Experiential Education Fund. Her recent projects explore concepts like 'not knowing as making' and spatial audio in installations. She collaborates with institutions like Concordia University’s Feminist Media Art Studio and has presented keynotes at venues such as Brock Talks and ISEA conferences.
Mandayam A. Srinivasan is a Hans Fischer Senior Fellow at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and holds a position as Senior Research Scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He directs MIT's Laboratory for Human and Machine Haptics (Touch Lab), part of the Research Laboratory of Electronics. His research focuses on haptics, integrating biomechanics, neurophysiology, and engineering to advance tactile interactions in virtual environments and medical applications. Education: B.E., Bangalore University, 1975 M.E. in Aeronautical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, 1977 M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Yale University, 1979 and 1984 Research Interests: Srinivasan’s work explores the computational and cognitive foundations of touch, with applications in virtual reality, surgical training, and robotics. He pioneers haptic technologies for medical simulations, wearable devices, and autonomous systems, emphasizing the biomechanical and neurophysiological underpinnings of tactile perception. Publications: His articles span haptic rendering algorithms, surgical simulation methodologies, and actuator design, reflecting a focus on interdisciplinary solutions for tactile interaction challenges. Scientific Awards: 2005 Fellowship Award, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), UK 2001 Class 1 NASA Tech Brief Award 1997 and 1998 Computers & Graphics Best Paper Awards Advising & Grants: While no explicit student advisees are listed, Srinivasan collaborates extensively with co-authors on projects such as surgical simulation and haptic robotics. His work is supported by institutional and industry partnerships. Labs & Affiliations: As director of MIT’s Touch Lab, he leads a global hub for haptic innovation, contributing to the MIT Virtual Environment & Teleoperator Research Consortium and fostering cross-disciplinary research.
Dagmar Reinhardt is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at The University of Sydney, where she leads the robotics research group and the Master of Digital Architecture Research stream. With a PhD from Sydney, a Master of Architectural (Concept Design) from Hochschule der Bildenden Künste in Frankfurt, and a Diploma in Architectural Studies from Hanover, she has established herself as a leading figure in digital architecture and robotic fabrication. Her educational background includes: PhD, University of Sydney Master of Architectural (Concept Design), Hochschule der Bildenden Künste, Frankfurt Diploma, Architectural Studies (Technical), Hanover Dagmar Reinhardt's research sits at the intersection of architecture, acoustics, structure, robotics, fabrication, and material science. She investigates how robotic fabrication methods can adapt geometry, materiality, and construction techniques within design technology, exploring new solutions for the relationship between human labor and construction automation. Her work spans from theoretical investigations of design robotics to practical applications in building environments. She leads two substantial industry and state-government funded projects on new robotic applications for workspace scenarios and for safer construction work environments. As an associate editor of the Springer Journal of Construction Robotics, she networks the Australian section and is currently writing a book on 'Design Robotics' that bridges robotic approaches between construction robotics, social robots, and collaborative and creative robotics. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on human-robot collaboration in architectural contexts, with particular attention to accessibility applications, material innovation using mycelium-based composites, and the social implications of robotics. Her work demonstrates a consistent trajectory toward making robotic fabrication more accessible, inclusive, and integrated with human workflows in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, while maintaining a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that connect architectural design with social and environmental concerns. As an educator, Reinhardt has led the Master of Digital Architecture Research stream and has taught courses including 3D Computer Design Modelling, Digital Architecture Research Studio, and Code to Production. Her design research studios have been regularly awarded the prestigious National Student Award for Structural Innovation and for Digital Innovation by the AIA Institute of Architects, Sydney. She was the Foundational Program Director of the Bachelor of Architecture and Environments (BAE, 2014-2018) and has lectured internationally. Reinhardt's current research students are working on innovative projects focused on acoustic retroreflection, techno-subjectivities, inclusive playground design for visually impaired children, eco-cartography, and human-robot collaboration toolkits. She serves as an External Examiner for multiple prestigious institutions worldwide and maintains active collaborations across architecture, computer science, and human-computer interaction fields.
Shamin Sadrafshari is a Researcher at the University of Bath, affiliated with the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He is part of the Foundry: Centre for Digital, Manufacturing & Design and the Centre for Bioengineering & Biomedical Technologies (CBio), as well as the Bath Institute for the Augmented Human. His research focuses on biomedical engineering, neural interfaces, and energy harvesting technologies. Current projects include improving tactile display systems through the IAA-funded 'Improving User Experience on Sensory Substitution Tactile Display Pad' (2023-2023). Research interests span urinary bladder physiology, neural signal processing, piezoelectric energy harvesting, and MEMS-based actuators. His work bridges mechanical engineering with bioelectronics, focusing on applications like spinal cord injury rehabilitation and industrial tool monitoring. Notable contributions include advancements in tool condition monitoring using machine learning, velocity-selective neural processing systems, and vibration-based energy harvesting designs. Collaborations span veterinary medicine, microelectronics, and human-computer interaction. Ongoing work aims to develop neural interfaces for bladder control systems and optimize manufacturing processes through real-time tool wear analysis. His research portfolio includes 15 peer-reviewed publications since 2011, with recent focus on biomedical device design and smart manufacturing solutions. Current affiliations emphasize interdisciplinary innovation in augmented human technologies and bioengineering.
Vicent Girbés Juan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the School of Engineering, Universitat de València. His research is centered in the HRI Human-Robot Interaction Group, where he contributes to advanced robotics, intelligent vehicles, and human-centered automation systems. He earned his PhD from Universitat Politècnica de València in 2016 with a thesis on clothoid-based planning and control in autonomous and manual-assisted driving systems, supervised by Dr. Josep Tornero Montserrat and Dr. Leopoldo Armesto Ángel. His research interests span robotics, control systems, path planning for UAVs, visible light communication, haptic feedback in teleoperation, and educational innovation in engineering. He has published extensively on smooth trajectory generation, dual-arm robot control, sensor fusion, and V2V communications. His recent work shows a growing emphasis on integrating pedagogical innovation with engineering education, including flipped evaluation, peer assessment, and hackathon-based programming learning. His publications from 2021 to 2024 reveal a dual focus: advancing industrial robotics and intelligent transportation systems, while simultaneously innovating in teaching methodologies and student engagement in higher education. Key technical areas include clothoid-based 3D path planning, cautious Bayesian optimization, VLC positioning, and haptic-assisted teleoperation. He actively collaborates on interdisciplinary projects involving human-robot cooperation, industrial automation, and educational technology, reflecting a commitment to both technological advancement and pedagogical excellence. His email is vicent.girbes@uv.es .
Robert Volcic is an Associate Professor of Psychology at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and a Global Network Associate Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Science at NYU. He leads the Volcic Lab , which investigates multisensory perception and the integration of perception and action, particularly focusing on vision and haptics in spatial perception and grasping. Affiliation: NYU Abu Dhabi, Science Division Position: Associate Professor of Psychology Lab: Volcic Lab Volcic earned his PhD from Utrecht University and a Laurea (MSc) from the University of Trieste. Prior to joining NYUAD in 2015, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Münster (Germany) and the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italy). He teaches key courses including Statistics for Psychology , Perception , Lab in Multisensory Perception and Action , and Capstone Project in Psychology . His research lies at the intersection of neuroscience, cognitive systems, and sensorimotor control . Using psychophysics, movement tracking, virtual reality, and computational modeling, he explores how humans integrate visual and haptic information to guide actions like reaching and grasping. A recurring theme in his work is the application of Weber’s Law to motor behavior and the role of sensory uncertainty in multisensory integration. His recent publications, spanning journals like Journal of Experimental Psychology: General , Cognition , and Scientific Reports , reveal a strong focus on visuo-haptic integration, grasping under uncertainty, sensory recalibration, and depth perception . He has also developed the open-source MOTOM toolbox for motion tracking in Matlab, widely used in experimental neuroscience. Tool-sensed object information in grasping Perception of depth from blurred contours Neural signatures of motor imagery in VR Grasping compliance with Weber’s law Calibration of reach-to-grasp actions Volcic actively mentors students and postdoctoral researchers and presents his work at leading conferences such as Vision Sciences Society (VSS) and European Conference on Visual Perception (ECVP). His lab fosters interdisciplinary research, combining psychology, engineering, and computational methods to understand human perception and action. He has advised numerous undergraduate capstone students and research assistants, contributing significantly to student training in experimental psychology and neuroscience. His work continues to advance our understanding of how the brain integrates multiple sensory streams to guide precise motor behavior.
E. Tempelman is an academic in the Department of Industrial Design Engineering at Delft University of Technology, with a focus on emerging materials, design theory, and practical applications in engineering. The work bridges industrial design and material science, emphasizing sustainable and user-centered approaches. Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology Research interests include industrial design, emerging materials, DFMA, 3D printing, lightweight design, and design for sustainability. Tempelman explores how material choices impact functionality, manufacturing, and user experience, often challenging conventional design practices through critical and reflective writing. The recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on material applications in design, ranging from injection molding and powder coating to topological optimization and smart industry. The works emphasize the integration of theoretical design principles with practical engineering constraints, advocating for responsible and innovative material use. Scientific Awards: No awards listed in the provided text. Tempelman has been active in advising and public engagement, participating in workshops, symposia, and media contributions. Notable activities include chairing De Constructeursdag 2017 and speaking on topics like lightweight design and 3D printing misconceptions. These efforts reflect a commitment to knowledge dissemination and design education. While no formal lab or team is explicitly named, the involvement in initiatives like Light.Touch.Matters suggests collaboration in interdisciplinary design research focused on material interaction and sensory experience.
