The Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop (CeTI) strives to optimize the interaction between humans and machines. Through interdisciplinary research, the Cluster of Excellence has established new applications in medicine, industry and the Internet of Skills. The goal is to enable everyone access to these skills and expertise, regardless of gender, age, cultural background or disability.

Excellent robotics research from Saxony – on film. At night, the exhibits come to life in the Mathematisch-Physikalischer Salon of the Dresden Zwinger and throw a party in honor of Saxony as a robotics hub – as early as the 16th century, automations were major attractions. The CeTI Cluster of Excellence aims to continue this pioneering legacy so that we will still be at the forefront of robotics 400 years from now.

A fully robotic kitchen: The CeTIBAR combines the capabilities of collaborative robots (cobots) with culinary delights. This innovative living lab brings robotics and the future of the tactile internet to life. Researchers explore how robots will change the way we work, while visitors are inspired by the latest technology through interactive exhibits, workshops, and lectures.

When it comes to medical care, one of the technologies CeTI is testing is robot-assisted surgery. For example, real-time applications allow physicians to remotely assist in laparoscopic surgery. Communication networks with low latency (response delay) enable surgical robots to be controlled over long distances. Innovative sensors such as data gloves, VR headsets or force sensors can be integrated into the surgical workflow.

Hand movements are fundamental to how we interact with the real world and digital environments. In 2023, CeTI presented a unique database in the scientific journal Nature, recording the variability of gestures and movements over the lifespan of adults. This means that machine learning approaches to kinematic modeling and movement prediction can be improved for age-appropriate applications – and for left-handers.

How does a robot know what it should do? CeTI visits schools with mobile suitcases and teaches pupils how to program robots. In this way, children can get enthusiastic about the topic through many fascinating experiments. CeTI donates these suitcases to schools so that the subject can be integrated into the lessons on a long-term basis. Ideal for grades 3 to 12.

Writing music history: CeTI not only enriched the 25th anniversary of the Dresden Symphony Orchestra with a three-armed conducting robot - it was a musical and technological world premiere. Several commissioned works were premiered for the occasion. Twenty musicians followed the instructions of the robot conductors. Futuristic rhythms rang out as different time signatures and tempos were played simultaneously. In preparation, seven joints per arm learned from the conductor.