2 Phd Positions at Université catholique de Louvain

2 PhD positions are available on the ERC project: Computational Modelling of Tangible

Objects on Multisensory Interfaces - TANGO -

The project:

Current interactive systems provide realistic audio-visual feedback while haptic feedback is limited even though haptic interactions with devices are essential and touch plays a large role to convey immersive sensations. Thus, usable high-fidelity haptic rendering has the potential to improve interactions with interactive interfaces and future metaverses. Knowledge has started emerging on haptic rendering and multisensory perception of tangible objects. Still, combining multiple techniques to stimulate the full bandwidth of tactile sensitivity remains a hard challenge and little is known about the perceptual integration of tactile cues such as friction, temperature, or vibrations. Specifically, TANGO aims to

1/ characterize typical gestures and contact mechanics during interaction with real objects.

2/ understand how gestures and the dimension of haptic feedback influence perception of simulated tactile objects

3/ create a computational model of multisensory integration that outputs perceived realism during interaction with objects. Studies will also consider two main population factors: age and sensory impairment.

The PhDs within the project will focus on one of these three goals and aim at understanding and optimizing haptic rendering in multisensory interactions.