IMEK > Research and Projects > Human-Machine-Collaboration

Human-Machine-Collaboration (HMC)

The Human-Machine-Collaboration (HMC) group at IMEK explores the future of human–machine interaction, where machines perceive, respond, and collaborate with people in meaningful ways. Our research combines robotics, sensing technologies, and intelligent control to create systems that enhance interaction, support creativity, and open new possibilities across science, technology, and society.

From analyzing human motion and body dynamics to developing immersive systems for virtual and augmented reality, the HMC group bridges fundamental research, applied engineering, and interdisciplinary collaboration, shaping technologies that are intuitive, adaptive, and human-centered.

Research Focus

The HMC group investigates the physical interface between humans and machines, with particular emphasis on haptics and tactile perception. Our work spans:

Sensing and motion analysis – measuring posture, movement, and body dynamics to better understand human motion and interaction.
Tactile and haptic display – developing methods to directly communicate information to users, artists, or patients through touch.
Vibration analysis and sound synthesis – using mechanical and acoustic approaches to explore coupled resonance dynamics and quantify tactile perception.
Miniaturized vibration sources & robotic control – combining new actuator technologies with advanced robotics to enable immersive interaction, including applications in Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR).
Medical and health contexts: From tactile sensors that monitor surface conditions to rehabilitation-oriented devices that provide patients with motivating haptic feedback.
Arts and creativity: Robotics as a medium for artistic exploration, such as painting robots that highlight the process of composition and creativity. Our project Exploring the Multimodality of Arts with the Help of Robotics exemplifies this interdisciplinary dialogue.
STEM education and outreach: With the platform VRobotia, we created a playful, low-threshold environment for students — from preschool to high school — to explore robotics and engineering. Projects like our painting robot demonstrate how technology can inspire curiosity and creativity.

This approach allows us to design systems that merge engineering precision with human sensory experience, addressing both scientific questions and societal needs.

Education and Outreach

Beyond research, the HMC group also acts as a space of education and collaboration. We aim to make engineering approachable by connecting with students, schools, and the general public through hands-on projects and demonstrations. This not only fosters technical understanding but also encourages creativity, interdisciplinary dialogue, and new ways of thinking about human–machine relations.

Specifically, our team offers the following lectures:

Infrastructure, Collaboration and Network

The group benefits from the Haptics & Robotics Lab.

The HMC group is part of the ligeti center, a transdisplinary work environment and team composed of the four universities of School for arts and drama (HfMT), University of Applied Sciences Hamburg (HAW), University Clinicy Eppendorf (UKE) and Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH).

This unique setting enables collaboration across engineering, arts, and medicine, and strengthens our ability to translate research into real-world impact.