DLR Robotics and Mechatronics continues research into immersive tactile internet in Phase II of the CeTI Cluster of Excellence
The DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics will continue its outstanding research into immersive tactile internet in the Cluster of Excellence Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) at TU Dresden. With the successful application, funding has been secured for a further seven years.
The tactile internet makes it possible for people and machines to exchange not only visual and acoustic data via the internet, but also the feeling of touch and surface texture – in other words, tactile or haptic feedback in general. This opens up completely new possibilities for applications in the fields of robotics, virtual reality and human-machine interaction.
Many years of expertise in telemanipulation and space robotics
DLR's research in the field of haptic feedback is based on over two decades of experience in telemanipulation. Originally developed for space robotics, DLR's methods aim to control robots remotely while ensuring realistic haptic feedback. "This long-standing expertise forms the foundation for our current research in the field of tactile internet," explains Thomas Hulin, head of the research group at DLR. "We have been able to utilise our knowledge and experience to develop new innovative solutions."
Successes in phase 1: foundations for immersive interaction and stable teleoperation
In the first funding phase (2019-2025), the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics made a significant contribution to the development of innovative technologies for the tactile internet. These include:
Haptic devices for immersive interaction: DLR has developed innovative haptic devices such as the FingerTacwhich enhances tactile perception through precise vibration feedback at the fingertip, and the FerroVibe, which provides modular tactile feedback through a combination of magnetic and vibration control.
Stabile Teleoperation: By developing passivity-based control approaches such as TDPA (Time-Domain Passivity Approach), DLR was able to guarantee the stability and security of haptic teleoperations even with high network latencies. TDPA makes it possible to control the energy flows in the system and thus ensure stable control. The technology was included in the development of the IEEE standard for haptic codecs in the tactile Internet as part of the joint standardisation initiative with the Technical University of Munich.
Virtual evaluation environment: The development of ViESTac, a virtual test environment, enables the systematic evaluation of various tactile devices under realistic conditions.
Outlook for phase 2: expanded fields of research and new partners
In the second funding phase (2026-2032), DLR will continue to drive forward its research and set new priorities. In addition to the development of software-based guidance elements (virtual fixtures) and adaptive assistance systems to improve cooperation between humans and machines, as well as the further development of modular wearables, i.e. portable interaction devices, for intuitive and immersive interaction, the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics will now conduct joint research with DLR's Institute of Aerospace Medicine. The Institute of Aerospace Medicine is new to the CeTI cluster and will be researching the interaction between astronauts and cyber-physical systems in space [link to press release].
Interdisciplinary cooperation as the key to success
Close cooperation with other partners in the CeTI cluster is crucial to DLR's success. "We are proud to be part of this innovative cluster and to contribute our expertise in robotics and mechatronics. The aim is to develop technologies that revolutionise the interaction between humans and machines and open up new application possibilities in various fields," emphasises Prof. Alin Albu-Schäffer, Head of the DLR Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics.