First established in 1992, the IEEE Haptics Symposium is a leading interdisciplinary forum bringing together researchers, engineers, designers, and practitioners to advance the science and technology of touch. The symposium connects work across neuroscience, perception, engineering, and interaction design, fostering a deeper understanding of how humans experience and interpret tactile sensation, and how those sensations can be recreated or augmented through technology.

Through keynotes, technical presentations, workshops, demonstrations, and discussions, participants share new research and explore applications ranging from surgical simulation and teleoperation to VR/AR, wearable devices, rehabilitation, and assistive technologies. More than a venue for presenting results, the symposium acts as a catalyst for new collaboration and emerging research directions.

The IEEE Haptics Symposium is committed to shaping a future in which physical interactions with digital systems feel natural, expressive, and meaningful. The 2026 gathering continues this tradition, providing a space for dialogue, discovery, and innovation across the global haptics community.