IEEE World Haptics Conference 2025
Student Innovation Challenge
IEEE World Haptics Conference 2025
Student Innovation Challenge
Student Innovation Challenge
Student Innovation Challenge (SIC)
Proposal submission deadline: March 20, 2025 -> (Extended) March 27, 2025 (23:59 AoE)
The Student Innovation Challenge (SIC) invites students to use haptic technology in innovative ways to address real-world problems. This year, SIC features two themes: ‘Future Mobility‘ and ‘Mixed Reality.’ Teams whose proposals are accepted will develop demonstrable prototypes for one of these themes.
Themes
– Theme #1: Future Mobility (Supported by Hyundai Motors)
What haptic technologies can be applied to future mobility to transform our daily lives? Please propose haptic technologies for the cockpit, seat, steering wheel, center console, and other interior parts of future mobility to enhance the safety, comfort, and entertainment of both drivers and passengers. Teams are encouraged to develop ambient haptic systems without wearable devices.
Financial support of up to $600 per team will be provided at the WHC 2025 venue for those who successfully demonstrate their prototype at the conference. The exact funding amount will be based on the submitted proposal and budget.
– Theme #2: Mixed Reality (Supported by bHaptics)
As Mixed Reality and Spatial Computing become mainstream, what value can wearable haptic devices, such as a vest and gloves, deliver to general users? Please propose example features, scenarios, and applications (e.g., watching interactive movies with haptic gloves and vests) that can significantly enhance the user experience. Teams are encouraged to use MR devices like Meta Quest Apple Vision Pro, or similar HMDs including AR glasses with at least one of bHaptics devices.
Selected proposals will receive bHaptics devices of their choice (TactSuit Pro, TactSleeve, and TactGlove DK2) delivered to one address.
- Team Requirement
The challenge is open to undergraduate and graduate students, with teams consisting of 2 to 5 members. Teams may enlist one creative professional as an advisor, such as a professor, teacher, designer, or engineer. However, the work must be completed solely by the students, and all team members must be students at the time of submission.
We encourage the participation of groups traditionally underrepresented in haptics research, including but not limited to women, LGBTQ+ individuals, underrepresented minorities, and people with disabilities.
Important Dates
▪ March 27, 2025 (23:59 AoE): Proposal Submission Deadline Extended
▪ March 31, 2025: Proposal Submission Notification
▪ July 4, 2025 (23:59 AoE): SIC Presentation Submission Deadline
▪ July 8-11, 2025: WHC 2025, including SIC Session and Awards
Proposals
To enter the challenge, a team must submit a proposal consisting of:
▪ A title
▪ A two-page proposal (maximum 1,500 words) including concept images and/or sketches
▪ A clear explanation of the final prototype to be demonstrated at WHC 2025
▪ A detailed description of how potential users will benefit from the proposed haptic technology
All intellectual property rights for the submitted proposals will belong to the participants.
Submission Details
Email proposals in PDF format to innovation@worldhaptics.org with “Proposal:” in the subject line. Include the names, email addresses, and qualifications (level, experience, and backgrounds) of all team members on the third page of the proposal. Teams applying to the Future Mobility theme should include a budget table on the fourth page for the supporting fund. Three to five teams per theme will be selected, and all authors will be notified of acceptance or rejection by March 31.
Presentation at the Conference
During the conference, a special SIC session will allow both the audience and judges to hear each team’s presentation, experience the projects firsthand, and engage with team members through a Q&A. Additionally, each team will have a demo table during the demo sessions of the conference. At least one team member must be present at both the SIC session and the designated demo session with a demonstrable prototype.
Awards
A total of six teams will be awarded cash prizes. The Best SIC Award, along with a cash prize of $1000, will be presented to the winner of each theme. A panel of judges from both industry and academia will evaluate each application based on the following criteria:
▪ Utility (how potential users will benefit from the haptics technology)
▪ Originality/Creativity
▪ Quality of the demonstrable prototype including conference attendees’ votes
Student Innovation Challenge Co-Chairs
Mohamad Eid – New York University Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Kiuk Gwak – bHaptics, South Korea
Seungwoo Je – Southern University of Science and Technology, China
Craig Shultz – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, USA
For questions, please contact innovation@worldhaptics.org.
