TouchTex Research
The project partners in TouchTex are researching how to make physical closeness tangible over long distances in real time through the simulation of touch. By combining various smart textiles integrated into gloves or sleeve covers, the intent to touch can be detected and touch can be reproduced. The developed demonstrators will initially be applied in clinical contexts, particularly for patients who face significant contact restrictions.
BMFTR Project
German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) under the research focus 'Nähe über Distanz' (Closeness over Distance). This initiative supports interactive technologies that foster social connection and improve quality of life. With the BMFTR's support, we are developing smart textiles that make physical touch tangible across long distances.
Note: The BMBF has since been reorganised and renamed to the BMFTR – Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
In collaboration with
ixp (Institute of Experimental Psychophysiology):
A research institute that measures human physiological reactions (like heart rate or eye movement) to understand psychological states. They often apply this to User Experience (UX) testing, automotive safety research, and market research.
HMKW (Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft):
A private University of Applied Sciences that focuses on education. They offer study programs in fields such as media, design, journalism, psychology, and business management.
UKD (Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf):
This is the University Hospital of Düsseldorf. They provide high-end medical care to patients, conduct medical research, and train future doctors and medical staff.
ZOEK (Zentrum für Organische Elektronik):
A research and development centre focused on "Organic Electronics." They work on technologies like organic sensors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), often bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Project Revolution
First Milestone
This milestone marked the first full demonstration of the TouchTex remote touch system. It successfully showed the entire chain of communication: one user performing a touch motion with the smart glove, and a distant user receiving a real-time haptic sensation through the textile interface, effectively proving that touch can be digitized and transmitted over distance.
Current Demo
The current phase of the project delivered a robust TouchTex system demonstrator. This demo combines the smart textile haptic glove/cuff, the associated VR application, and the validated data model for translating gestures into sensations. This demonstrator is a functional proof-of-concept that establishes the feasibility of using smart textiles to transmit real-time, emotionally meaningful social touch over vast distances.
Bridging Distance with VR
The smart textile glove is paired with a Virtual Reality (VR) environment to create an intuitive, emotionally rich experience. Users see their virtual hands making contact, while the glove provides real-time haptic feedback, making a distant touch feel physically present and combatting the feeling of isolation.
Cynteract X Dutch Touch Society
Cynteract presented the TouchTex smart textile system at the Dutch Touch Society Meeting.
This event brings together leading experts in haptics, affective touch, and virtual reality, providing a critical platform to exchange insights, gather feedback from industry specialists, and establish collaborations with the Dutch research community on the future of transmitted social touch.
Results profile TouchTex
The research team working on the TouchTex project developed a smart textile in the form of a glove and sleeve that simulates the mutual exchange of touch, thus enabling digital touch over distances. This technology allows video calls to be enhanced with digital touch, strengthening closeness and connection even across geographical distances.
More Information
There are many more exciting and innovative research projects being conducted at the BMBF, showcasing cutting-edge advancements across various fields of science and technology."
Revolutionizing Rehabilitation, One Motion at a Time.
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