ToCaro is a haptic communication device that explores how tangible interaction can strengthen emotional bonds despite physical separation. The textile device uses integrated haptic and visual feedback mechanisms such as light, heat, and movement to convey a feeling of closeness between two people – for example, in family relationships with people over 65 or during short- and long-term hospital stays.

The project was co-designed with Berlin seniors, who provided key inputs for the design in user studies and workshops. The project initiates a discussion about contemporary participation formats, the role of materiality in digital exchange, and the growing social challenge of loneliness.

Hannah Friederike Fischer is a product designer and design researcher at the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). She explores participatory design and qualitative research methods within human-computer interaction, focusing on smart textiles and wearable technologies for health and care. Her practice combines research with prototyping to investigate interconnected social and technological systems and develop responsible, sustainable design solutions. She studied at art and design universities in Berlin, Braunschweig, Dundee, and Potsdam, and lives and works in Berlin.

Website
@hannahthefischerer

Emil Woop is an interaction designer and design researcher working for the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI). His research focuses on the development of novel interaction paradigms and haptical experiences through participatory design practices, soma design methods and physical prototyping. He studied architecture at the University of Arts Berlin, interfacedesign at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, and lives and works in Berlin.

Project Partner
Human-Factors-Consult GmbH
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg - Lehrstuhl für Fertigungsautomatisierung und Produktionssystematik
Computer und Software GmbH
Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz GmbH
 

Funded by
Entwickelt im Rahmen des Forschungsprojekts ToCaro am Deutschen Forschungszentrum für Künstliche Intelligenz (DFKI), gefördert durch das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt (BMBFTR)