From Observation to Innovation: Experiential, Hands-on Learning in Introduction to Haptics
Haptics, the science of touch, is a rapidly emerging field essential to advances in robotics and embodied artificial intelligence. As part of Shenzhen’s strategic focus on dexterous robotics, the course “Introduction to Haptics” aims to equip students with both foundational knowledge and practical skills. However, traditional instruction is limited by scarce textbook resources and brief equipment demonstrations, restricting meaningful experiential learning. This proposal aims to address these challenges by introducing a hands-on, project-based module where interdisciplinary student teams design and prototype functional haptic devices using commercially available sensors and actuators. Guided by real-world themes—such as healthcare or accessibility applications—students engage in every stage: problem identification, design, fabrication, testing, and public demonstration during a final “road show.” This approach fosters active learning, creativity, teamwork, and science communication skills, while also building a sustainable repository of student-driven innovations. Grant support will be used for essential hardware kits, consumables, and showcase materials. The project’s structure ensures long-term benefits, scalable for future cohorts and adaptable to related emerging technology courses. This initiative not only meets students’ needs for experiential learning but also strengthens the university’s leadership in next-generation robotics education.
