Michi Sato

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About

Michi Sato is a pioneering researcher in the field of haptic perception and virtual embodiment, with a focus on how vibrotactile feedback can alter the somatic experience of one’s own body. Her work bridges cognitive science, human-computer interaction, and virtual reality, exploring how subtle tactile cues can create the illusion of having a non-human body—such as one made of metal or rubber. In her highly cited 2013 paper, “Virtual alteration of body material by periodic vibrotactile feedback,” Sato demonstrated that periodic vibrations applied to the skin could induce the sensation of a body with different material properties, a concept that challenges traditional notions of bodily self-awareness. Though her citation count is modest, the work is foundational in the emerging area of body material perception, influencing subsequent studies on synthetic embodiment and haptic illusions. Her research has significant implications for virtual reality, prosthetics, and robotics, where altering the perceived material of a body could enhance immersion or improve human-machine interaction. Sato’s contributions continue to inspire new directions in understanding how the brain constructs the feeling of a physical self.