Veronica Santos on Engineering Empathy Through Robotic Touch

In this special edition of Digitel Talk, recorded live at the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, host Ian Ginn sits down with Professor Veronica Santos from UCLA to explore the future of human–robot interaction, the role of tactile sensing, and how AI and haptics could redefine connectivity across physical and digital worlds.From demoing wearable haptic rings to exploring “telephones for touch”, Veronica shares her vision for creating emotionally intelligent machines—and how the Human Fusions Institute is making tech more human, inclusive, and accessible. Whether it's pain management, remote surgery, or digital handshakes across continents, this episode reveals why the power of touch could be the next frontier of AI for good.Links and resources:AI for Good Global SummitUCLA Biomechatronics LabHuman Fusions InstituteCase Western Reserve UniversityEpisode sponsored by IFG Consulting Europe– Supporting telcos with tech strategy, digitisation and growth.Guest bio:Veronica J. Santos is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA and directs the Biomechatronics Lab. Her research focuses on tactile sensing, hand biomechanics, and prosthetics. She also serves as Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Dr. Santos earned degrees from UC Berkeley and Cornell, and has received NSF CAREER and teaching awards. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, TechCrunch, and Forbes.Podcast credits:Host: Ian GinnGuest: Veronica SantosEditor: Francis WrightDesigner: Rebecca GinnProject manager: Ivana DuricSend us your feedbackFollow Digitel Talk Want to be a guest on the show or sponsor a podcast? For all enquires contact [email protected] you liked this episode, please subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a 5* review and rating, it really helps our channel.You can find us on LinkedIn @digitel-talk or on our website www.digiteltalk.com

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