Information Somatics
Inami - Monnai Laboratory

Understanding and designing the body schema based on human factors and physiology

We are conducting research on "Information Somatics," which explores the mechanisms of the body as a physical information system based on physiological, cognitive, and physical findings. It aims to enhance the innate human sensory functions, motor functions, emotional functions, and intellectual processing abilities through measurement, communication, and control technology.

Extended Body

Research on technologies that extend human input/output by integrating biometric information such as gaze, facial expressions, and heart rate, with sensory and perceptual measurement technologies such as motion prediction and intention, and intervention technologies like robot control or electrical muscle stimulation. This involves engineering research and development aimed at enhancing human capabilities and acquiring new bodily perceptions by appropriately sensing the user's intent and feeding back information about the task object to the user's body.

Extended Communication

The human body and mind are inseparably related, and subjective experiences such as perception and emotions are constituted through the mediation of one's own and others' bodies. In a system that includes both self and others, this research aims to transform subjective experiences by controlling the flow of physical and cognitive information using Virtual Reality (VR), augmented reality, wearable technology, wireless technology, robotic technology, and telexistence. The goal is to socially implement support for communication among users with different attributes and preferences, aiming for the realization of super-aged societies and smart cities where diverse people thrive.

Wireless Interaction

In measurement and communication, electromagnetic waves are used in the air (outside the body), while ultrasound is used in water (inside the body), resulting in a separation between the two physical layers. To bridge this gap, we are developing novel wireless technologies. Specifically, we are working on non-contact ultrasound generation inside the body via terahertz wave irradiation and beam-tracking technology enabling terabit-class communication with moving individuals and devices. These advancements aim to revolutionize biological measurement and human-computer interaction. Furthermore, we are expanding these technologies for non-destructive testing applications, ranging from modern industrial products to historical artifacts dating back a thousand years.

Member

• 
• • Professor
    Masahiko INAMI
  Research Area: Augmented human, Virtual reality, Entertainment computing

• 
• • Associate Professor
    Yasuaki MONNAI
  Research Area: Terahertz engineering, Human interface

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