Recent technologies allow for novel classes of wearable and holdable devices that make use of forms of haptic communication and interaction that go beyond elementary uses such as simply attracting attention. This can give rise to an expanded design space that raises many research issues, as this workshop will explore.

The goal of this workshop is to spark interest in the topic of haptic technologies for healthcare, with a specific focus on using haptic technologies for assisting, enhancing and extending current practices, both in the hospital and home setting.

The workshop is open to students, researchers, engineers, clinical and rehabilitation practitioners, and industry experts interested in research issues raised by novel or complex haptic interactions for wearable and holdable devices for healthcare. We will provide ample opportunity for round-table discussions where speakers and workshop participants will be encouraged to propose questions, identify issues and raise challenges for designers and researchers.

Participants are asked to submit a four-page extended abstract by May 15th, 2018 (see website for details). Extended abstracts may describe ongoing work, recent results, case studies, techniques or novel approaches related to the workshop topic. Demonstrations and presentations of prototypes are strongly encouraged. Position papers will also be considered.