WP1: TOUCHLESS has significantly advanced ultrasonic phased arrays for haptic stimulation, publishing comprehensive guides for system development. Achievements include designing and testing a large array for mid-air sensations, pioneering simulation techniques like PhantomFields for acoustic holography, and conducting foundational studies such as PiloNape on electrostatic stimulation. The Sparkitect demonstration showcased ultrasonic-guided high-voltage sparks with potential applications like mid-air Braille. Thermal, infrasound, and multimodal haptics saw XR and VR-integrated experiences culminating in the Portal experience, integrating diverse technologies.
WP2: Quantitative studies on mid-air haptics characterised the spatial and temporal precision of tactile perception, confirming the ability to selectively stimulate different tactile receptors via ultrasonic vibrations. These findings contribute a robust evidence base for designing functional touch experiences. In addition, foundational work on neurocognitive models linked sensory inputs to high-level experiences like agency and bonding, with significant results published in leading journals.
WP3: A multimodal sensing platform integrated touchless sensors to monitor human states in real time through machine learning analysis of biosignals and body movements. Highlights also included a hybrid AI-powered text-to-haptics demonstrator translating textual emotions into synchronized mid-air haptic, audio, and visual AI generated effects. Validated through user studies, this system showed potential in storytelling, mindfulness, and communication.
WP4: WP4 created a rich touch library and novel interaction techniques, enabling immersive applications like mid-air gestures and multisensory storytelling. Multiple demonstrators—such as Feelustrator, Knuckles Notifications, and AcoustoBots—showcased the technology’s versatility across sectors, including automotive, gaming, and healthcare. These efforts culminated in significant publications and presentations at top-tier venues, such as ACM CHI, UIST, and IEEE ToH.
WP5: This work package developed tailored Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) training, blending generic frameworks with specific challenges in haptics and body-centric technology. Ethical insights included a taxonomy of tactile devices, considerations for sensory autonomy, and frameworks for addressing power asymmetries in social haptics. Industry partners incorporated these findings into their practices, and public resources like the "Ethics of Digital Touch" flyer and web materials extended the project's reach.
WP6: Dissemination and outreach activities flourished, with live updates on the project website and significant engagement through the Haptics Helix innovation platform, which grew to include over 130 organisations and experts. TOUCHLESS showcased its innovations at major academic and industrial events, including CES, WebSummit, and EuroHaptics, while organising impactful workshops on AI, ethics, and XR. The video demonstrators and editorial special issues further amplified the project's reach, fostering cross-sector collaboration and public engagement.
Overall, TOUCHLESS has made ground-breaking contributions across its WPs, addressing core challenges in touchless haptics and delivering tools, technologies, and insights that will shape the future of human-computer interaction.
