Introducing our new series #InsideConTaktLab In our first episode, Master’s student Helene Krämer tests the Midas Touch Theory in VR. Watch how we study the science of touch below. #SocialTouch #Research #Neuroscience

New paper by @IreneValori in Nature Scientific Reports! Study shows neurotypical people prefer socially engaged partners (even if delayed), while autistic participants favor partners who are both prompt and engaged. https://t.co/PFL5E6zqmx #Autism #Research

We co-organized the 1st MCML International Workshop on Multisensory Interactions in Extended Reality (MIX) at #ISMAR2025 in Daejeon! Together with colleagues from @TU_Muenchen CAMP and beyond, we explored multisensory design in XR. More here: https://t.co/0ATpU43HWA

When speech recognition fails, a virtual agent’s apology may not fully restore trust, but social touch can still increase how persuasive the agent is. Study by Matsumoto et al. (2025) explores how tactile feedback shapes trust and decision-making. Read: https://t.co/fuk3vyJA8o

Internship opportunity! Join the Trust and Touch project at @tudresden_de CeTI @TactileInternet Explore how touch builds trust in human and robot interactions using fNIRS, VR and haptic tech. Dresden, Germany irene.valori@tu-dresden.de More info:

The exhibition “Mensch, Roboter! – Robotik aus der Dresdner Wissenschaft” officially opened at the COSMO Forum on Oct 2! Visitors experienced VR, interactive demos and insights into human–robot trust. On view at Kulturpalast Dresden until Feb 27, 2026. #MenschRoboter #COSMO2025

We'd like to ask you: What rhythms of care do you turn to when you need comfort? Let us know in the replies. #Neuroscience #Touch #Evolution

Our new blog post explores how touch, rhythm and voice evolved as tools for care and connection. From a mother cat’s lick to a human lullaby, soothing behaviours unite all mammals. Read the blog: https://t.co/XSkqFWsaym

Why would you trust a robot? Our COSMO VR exhibit explores trust through immersive, embodied interaction. Here's a short demo of our exhibition, now live at the COSMO Wissenschaftsforum. https://t.co/A13fJ6kd1v #MenschRoboter #Robotik #Dresden #COSMO

What does it mean to “be present”? At #SocialBRIDGES Presence, experts across fields explored this question in depth. Watch the recap video and revisit the highlights. @TactileInternet @tudresden_de #Presence #VR #Neuroscience

Can trust in robots arise from shared presence? Our COSMO VR demo explores affect and interaction in human-robot relations. We now have pictures of our setup, which will open this Thursday at the COSMO Forum. See you there! https://t.co/A13fJ6jFbX #MenschRoboter #Dresden #COSMO

Inspiring days at #socialBRIDGES – Presence 2025! Researchers and professionals came together in Dresden and online to explore VR, mediated interaction and presence. Huge thanks to all who joined, especially to our speakers. @TactileInternet @tudresden_de #Presence

Keynote spotlight: Prof. @OlafBlankeLab (@EPFL ) at #SocialBridges: "Neuroscience of the Sense of Self & its Relevance for Presence" explores embodiment, multisensory integration & self-other distinction in VR/XR, towards new forms of selfhood. https://t.co/6vUS9NVc17

Join us online on Sept 22–23 https://t.co/jBiq0bYtpV Check the full programme here:

Keynote spotlight: Prof. Kristine Nowak (@UConn) at #SocialBridges: What Presence and “Being There” Means for Being Here Presence is powerful, but more isn’t always better. Unfocused presence can overwhelm, distract, or hinder learning.

Keynote spotlight: Prof. @melslater (@UniBarcelona, Event Lab) at #socialBRIDGES-Presence: "Advances in the Theory and Evaluation of Presence" explores how and why we experience the illusion of being present in virtual environments. Sept 22–23, 2025 https://t.co/qCk3JwYU1f

New paper out! A systematic review of evidence on touch interventions and their effects on arousal and self-regulation, highlighting their potential in stress and pain management and broader medical use. Read it here: https://t.co/TIxt5yYpjD @TactileInternet

What does trust in a robot feel like? Our COSMO VR installation explores this question through and more. From 02.10.2025 to 27.02.2026 at COSMO, the exhibit explores trust as an emotional and embodied response in human–robot interaction. https://t.co/A13fJ6jFbX

The program for socialBRIDGES – Presence (Sept 22–23, 2025 in Dresden and Online) is here. Keynotes by Olaf Blanke, Mel Slater, Kristine Nowak Talks on VR, robotics, theatre, embodiment and more Interactive sessions and demos Full schedule:

Save the date for socialBRIDGES – Presence: Sept 22–23, 2025 in Dresden and online. Keynotes by: @melslater (Uni Barcelona) Kristine Nowak (UConn) @OlafBlankeLab (EPFL) Join us to explore VR, mediated interaction, measures of presence and much more. https://t.co/edQpt0qSTA