Tonja Machulla

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About

Tonja Machulla is a leading researcher in the field of human-computer interaction, with a particular focus on mid-air ultrasound haptics and virtual reality. Her work addresses a critical challenge in VR: enabling tactile feedback without requiring users to wear gloves or hold controllers. In her most-cited paper, "Extended Mid-air Ultrasound Haptics for Virtual Reality" (2022, 16 citations), Machulla introduced a novel approach that transforms a static haptic array into a dynamic one, following the user’s movements to deliver room-scale tactile sensations. This breakthrough expands the limited workspace of traditional mid-air haptics, making it viable for immersive, large-scale VR environments. Her contributions bridge the gap between physical touch and digital interaction, enhancing realism in virtual experiences. Machulla’s research has significant implications for gaming, training simulations, and accessibility technologies. With a growing citation impact, she is recognized for pushing the boundaries of non-contact haptic feedback, and her work continues to inspire innovations in how we perceive and interact with virtual worlds.