Consider the chief difference between living systems and electronics: The first is generally soft and squishy, while the latter is hard and rigid. Now, in work that could impact human-machine interfaces, biocompatible devices, soft robotics, and more, MIT engineers and colleagues have developed a soft, flexible gel that dramatically changes its conductivity upon the application of light. Enter the growing field of ionotronics, which involves transferring data through ions, or charged molecules. Electronics does the same, with electrons. But while the latter is well established, ionotronics is still being developed, with one huge exception: living systems.

In the pursuit of deeper immersion in human-machine interaction, achieving higher-dimensional tactile input and output on a single interface has become a key research focus. This study introduces the Visual-Electronic Tactile (VET) System, which builds upon vision-based tactile sensors (VBTS) and integrates electrical stimulation feedback to enable bidirectional tactile communication. We propose and implement a system framework that seamlessly integrates an electrical stimulation film with VBTS using a screen-printing preparation process, eliminating interference from traditional methods. While VBTS captures multi-dimensional input through visuotactile signals, electrical stimulation feedback directly stimulates neural pathways, preventing interference with visuotactile information. The potential of the VET system is demonstrated through experiments on finger electrical stimulation sensitivity zones, as well as applications in interactive gaming and robotic arm teleoperation. This system paves the way for new advancements in bidirectional tactile interaction and its broader applications.

Human-machine Interface (HMI) is critical for safety during automated driving, as it serves as the only media between the automated system and human users. To enable a transparent HMI, we first need to know how to evaluate it. However, most of the assessment methods used for HMI designs are subjective and thus not efficient. To bridge the gap, an objective and standardized HMI assessment method is needed, and the first step is to find an objective method for workload measurement for this context. In this study, two psychophysiological measures, electrocardiography (ECG) and electrodermal activity (EDA), were evaluated for their effectiveness in finding differences in mental workload among different HMI designs in a simulator study. Three HMI designs were developed and used. Results showed that both workload measures were able to identify significant differences in objective mental workload when interacting with in-vehicle HMIs. As a first step toward a standardized assessment method, the results could be used as a firm ground for future studies. Marie Sk{\l}odowska-Curie Actions; Innovative Training Network (ITN); SHAPE-IT; Grant number 860410; Publication date: [29 Sep 2023]; DOI: [10.54941/ahfe1004172]

The adoption of high-density electrode systems for human-machine interfaces in real-life applications has been impeded by practical and technical challenges, including noise interference, motion artifacts and the lack of compact electrode interfaces. To overcome some of these challenges, we introduce a wearable and stretchable electromyography (EMG) array, and present its design, fabrication methodology, characterisation, and comprehensive evaluation. Our proposed solution comprises dry-electrodes on flexible printed circuit board (PCB) substrates, eliminating the need for time-consuming skin preparation. The proposed fabrication method allows the manufacturing of stretchable sleeves, with consistent and standardised coverage across subjects. We thoroughly tested our developed prototype, evaluating its potential for application in both research and real-world environments. The results of our study showed that the developed stretchable array matches or outperforms traditional EMG grids and holds promise in furthering the real-world translation of high-density EMG for human-machine interfaces.

The article "Cognitive Hub: The Future of Work" and the supporting infographic (see Figure 1) provides an interesting perspective on some "technology combinations" that could transform the workplace of the future, all enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI): The infographic above is very cool and depicts a very interesting proposition. However, my concern with the proposition is that while these technology combinations could be quite powerful, the Internet of Things, Human-Machine Interfaces, Cyber physical systems and Artificial Intelligence are only enabling technologies, that is, they only give someone or something the means to do something. You still need someone or something to actually do something; to decide what to do, when to do it, where to do it, with whom to do it, how to do it, the required items to do it, etc. There is a H-U-G-E difference between enabling and doing. For example, I can enable you with an individualized diet and fitness plan that will improve your life, but the subsequent improvement in your life won't happen if you are not doing it.

Deep learning, big data, the cloud, and the rest of the pieces of the developing AI world are becoming familiar, being visualized by marketers who understand we need images and ideas that fit into our worldview. We already love our cars and our dogs, so falling in love with an AI personal assistant who actually talks, and listens to us, seems like an easy jump. They pay attention to us, care for us, are interested and responsive, and leave us in charge. They don't judge us or pressure us, but actually seem to like us: Robots and human proximity. The heart of AI and robotic development, real and fictional, has always been how the brain works.

For many of us who have heard the term human-machine interface for the first time, it may seem like the stuff of science fiction. A simple definition of a human-machine interface (HMI) is any component of a device or software that allows you to engage or interact with a machine. We might not know it, but we are already using HMIs in our lives. The touchscreens and keyboards that we frequently use are examples of HMIs. To better appreciate the technology around us, we will explore more about the human-machine interface and how it works.

A group of EPFL researchers have developed a foldable device that can fit in a pocket and can transmit touch stimuli when used in a human-machine interface. When browsing an e-commerce site on your smartphone, or a music streaming service on your laptop, you can see pictures and hear sound snippets of what you are going to buy. But sometimes it would be great to touch it too – for example to feel the texture of a garment, or the stiffness of a material. The problem is that there are no miniaturized devices that can render touch sensations the way screens and loudspeakers render sight and sound, and that can easily be coupled to a computer or a mobile device. Researchers in Professor Jamie Paik's lab at EPFL have made a step towards creating just that – a foldable device that can fit in a pocket and can transmit touch stimuli when used in a human-machine interface.

Digital transformation is rapidly disrupting current industry models. The adoption of new technologies is particularly accelerating in the logistics and manufacturing sector due to the benefits it offers enterprises, and is resulting in wider implementation of smart industry solutions. As the manufacturing and logistics sectors undergo major transformation, digital twins, artificial intelligence, the industrial internet of things, and warehouse robotization rank among the leading smart industry trends for 2019 and the coming years. Digital transformation of industry continues to move forward. A study by the German branch of the company PwC indicates that 91% of the industrial companies that participated in the research are investing or plan to invest in digital factories in Europe.

The article "Cognitive Hub: The Future of Work" and the supporting infographic (see Figure 1) provides an interesting perspective on some "technology combinations" that could transform the workplace of the future, all enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI): The infographic above is very cool and depicts a very interesting proposition. However, my concern with the proposition is that while these technology combinations could be quite powerful, the Internet of Things, Human-Machine Interfaces, Cyber physical systems and Artificial Intelligence are only enabling technologies, that is, they only give someone or something the means to do something. You still need someone or something to actually do something; to decide what to do, when to do it, where to do it, with whom to do it, how to do it, the required items to do it, etc. There is a H-U-G-E difference between enabling and doing. For example, I can enable you with an individualized diet and fitness plan that will improve your life, but the subsequent improvement in your life won't happen if you are not doing it.