The Connected Community’s main objective is to train future professionals, such as students in therapy and special education, in the use of new technologies for people with special needs. These technologies include haptic, audio, and visual interfaces, robotics, virtual reality (VR), connected tools, and software. The CC focuses on special needs education and aims to establish a joint master’s program in the long run.
The CC has a strong interdisciplinary character and will actively collaborate with several stakeholders in society, such as schools, municipal authorities, ministries, and organizations dedicated to supporting people with physical limitations. One of the important aims of our CC will be to democratise access to skills and know-how in order to promote equality for people of different genders, ages, cultural backgrounds and physical abilities, with particular focus on the latter.
Connected Community Activities
Upcoming activities
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Past Activities
International Summer School on Haptics and Cognitive Robotics for Music – Dresden, September 2–4, 2025
The summer school brings together experts, PhD students, researchers, practitioners, and instrument makers to explore haptics, robotics, and interactive systems in music creation, performance, and education. Participants will engage in hands-on, research-based learning, developing prototypes and artistic concepts in interdisciplinary teams, while keynotes from leading international scientists provide inspiration and guidance.
Topics include: tangible musical instruments, haptic interfaces, multimodal audio with tactile feedback, cognitive robotics in music, and more. Selected PhD students and postdocs can apply for travel grants to support participation.
Format: In-person only
Planned Activities
- Research Methodology Trainings will be offered by postdocs and PhDs.
- Peer discussions, group projects, and research clubs will encourage collaboration among students and equip them with the necessary skills to conduct independent research.
- The exchange of best practices in teaching and curriculum development is encouraged.
- A MOOC Course on “New Technologies for Social inclusion” will be implemented until mid of 2024.
- Annual summer schools and several workshops per year will support the long-term aim: A joint Degree M.Sc. Program on “New Technologies for Social inclusion” (until the end of 2026).
Planned Research Activities
The CC contributes to the existing body of knowledge in the field by generating new findings.
Co-authored articles by CC members will be published.
Public lectures and exhibitions will be offered.
A conference is planned, which is open for all researchers in the field and students to present their work.
New educational materials and teaching methods will be developed.
Partnerships/collaborations between researchers from multiple universities across the Connected Community will be fostered.
The Connected Community PIs will apply for research and teaching grants (including student mobility) for increased interdisciplinary research and cross-pollination of ideas.
How to get involved?
Lead: Prof. Ercan Altinsoy (ercan.altinsoy@tu-dresden.de)
Local Facilitator: Kerstin Le Merdy (kerstin.le_merdy1@tu-dresden.de)