Members of the Nakatani Laboratory participated in EuroHaptics 2026, held in Siena and Rome, Italy, where we presented two research projects.
The first presentation was:
Poster Session (PS 22)
Sweetness in the Eye of the Beholder: Visual Color and Shape Influence Sweetness via Inferred Softness
Nao Kokaji, Masashi Nakatani
This study investigated how visual cues, such as color and shape, influence perceived sweetness through inferred softness. The findings provide new insights into crossmodal perception and the mechanisms through which visual information shapes flavor expectations.
The second presentation was delivered in the Work-in-Progress Session:
Work-in-Progress Session (PS 62)
Morphology of Ruffini Endings and the Design of Biomimetic Sensor
Masashi Nakatani
This work introduced a biomimetic tactile sensor inspired by the morphology of Ruffini endings. By focusing on the elongated structure of this slowly adapting mechanoreceptor, we discussed a new design concept for artificial tactile sensors capable of detecting skin stretch and deformation.
In addition to our own presentations, we were delighted to reunite with Yang Gao, a research collaborator from Professor Charles Spence's laboratory at the University of Oxford. It was wonderful to catch up after our collaborative research in Oxford and to exchange ideas on future projects.
Yang presented the following work:
Poster Session (PS 41)
Enhancing the Experience of Film with a Wearable Tactile/Haptic Suit
Yang Gao, Guoqiang Liu, Charles Spence
His research explores how wearable tactile technology can enhance the cinematic experience by integrating tactile stimulation with audiovisual media.
EuroHaptics once again provided an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas with researchers from around the world. The conference was followed by the EuroHaptics Summer School, where students and early-career researchers engaged in lively discussions with leading scientists in the field.
We sincerely thank everyone who visited our posters and shared valuable comments and suggestions. We look forward to further developing these projects and strengthening our international collaborations.
仲谷研究室は、イタリア（シエナ・ローマ）で開催されたEuroHaptics 2026に参加し、2件の研究発表を行いました。
1件目はポスターセッションにおいて、
【PS22】Sweetness in the Eye of the Beholder: Visual Color and Shape Influence Sweetness via Inferred Softness
Nao Kokaji & Masashi Nakatani
を発表しました。本研究では、色や形といった視覚情報が、「柔らかそう」という推論を介して甘さの知覚に影響を与えることを示し、視覚と味覚のクロスモーダル知覚に関する新たな知見を報告しました。
2件目はWork-in-Progress Sessionにおいて、
【PS62】Morphology of Ruffini Endings and the Design of Biomimetic Sensor
Masashi Nakatani (single author)
を発表しました。皮膚の伸展を検出する機械受容器であるルフィニ終末の形態に着目し、その構造を模倣したバイオミメティック触覚センサの設計コンセプトを紹介しました。
また、オックスフォード大学Charles Spence研究室で共同研究を進めているYang Gaoさんとも再会し、研究交流を深めることができました。Yangさんは、
【PS41】Enhancing the Experience of Film with a Wearable Tactile/Haptic Suit
Yang Gao, Guoqiang Liu, Charles Spence
を発表し、ウェアラブル触覚スーツによって映画鑑賞体験を拡張する研究成果を紹介しました。
会期中は世界各国の研究者との活発な議論をすることができ、多くの研究者との交流を深めることができました。
ポスターをご覧いただき、貴重なご意見・ご助言をくださった皆様に心より感謝申し上げます。今後も触覚・クロスモーダル知覚・触覚の機械受容器の研究をさらに発展させるとともに、国際共同研究も積極的に推進してまいります。
