My research is in the area of
haptic interface, where I apply techniques from multibody dynamics, nonlinear
controls, and robotics. Humans acquire a great deal of information from
their environment through the sense of touch. I believe that the elements
of interaction that support the kind of relationship one enjoys with a musical
instrument or tennis racquet, say, also belong in one’s relationship with a
computer. There is much to learn about the mechanical contact between human and
computer and much to exploit for information transfer. A computer fully
outfitted for mechanical interaction can even go beyond providing for human
expression and entertainment, it can function as a teaching aide or provide
performance enhancement.