Enhancing Inclusion and Accessibility Through Haptic Technologies - Demonstrations, Workshops, Networking and Collaborative Exploration
The symposium "Haptics for Inclusion," held on November 6th and 7th, brought together 77 participants (55 on-site and 22 online) from 17 countries for two days filled with enriching talks and engaging demonstrations.
Following a welcome address by the organiser Nasrine Olson (Associate Professor and the MuseIT coordinator), the event kicked off with Professor Astrid Kappers' keynote on Haptic Perception and Devices for Communication. This was followed by 16 diverse talks, covering topics like Musical Haptics, Human-Robot Interaction, Creating Accessible Tactile Images, and Haptic Technologies for the Deafblind Community, among others.
The first day wrapped up with a brainstorming session and presentations on future collaborations, followed by networking and a communal dinner.
Day two began with participants setting up demonstration stations and engaging in participatory study sessions, exploring haptic tools developed in the MuseIT project. This included hands-on experiences and brainstorming on specific study questions.
Day two began with setting up demonstration stations for some participants, and participation in two parallel study sessions for the others. The two closed participatory study sessions were related to exploring haptic tools developed in the MuseIT project. This included hands-on experiences and brainstorming on specific study questions. The afternoon session started with a formal inauguration of the HaptiLab, followed by demonstrations and hands-on experiences of various very interesting haptic technologies that were brought together in the inspiring space of the DoTank building. These technologies ranged from AR-VR solutions to wearable haptics for navigation, haptic communications and conveyance of semantic contents, a haptic pen and hipification of textures, various accessible musical instruments, different vests conveying sensations and information, haptic feedback through seating and floor, and more. The demonstrations also included a technologically enhanced multisensory artistic installations combining sound, visuals, touch, and smell elevating a profound aesthetic experience that crossed art and science.
The symposium was highly appreciated by attendees, as evidenced by the feedback and conversations. It inspired new ideas and potential collaborations, highlighting the intersection of assistive technologies and cultural experiences through haptic solutions.
