High Tech, Human Touch: intimacy with robots

Everyone experiences touch differently. Does it make a difference whether you receive a handshake or a hug from an acquaintance, a stranger or a robot? You could even take it a step further and have sex with a robot. The philosophical implications are fascinating. After all, when a robot replaces a human being, is there still such a thing as genuine contact? Don’t you get an unrealistic image of the perfect body or the ideal friendship? Two PhD students from the University of Twente, Marie-Laure Snijders MSc and Maaike van der Horst MSc, will talk together about their research into touch. Snijders will discuss the Hand in hand to reduce stress project (tested at Lowlands, among other places) and Van der Horst will discuss sex robots.

In cooperation with Dimensie.

week of inspiration 2026

In November the University of Twente will celebrate its 65th anniversary. During the week before the Dies Natalis the UT treats you to a programme packed with inspiration and fun. Come and join with your friends and listen to speakers of national and international fame. Everybody is welcome at these free and sustainable events: students, non-students, people from the region and beyond! 

In cooperation with Ockham and Honours Programme.

free entry, no reservations required.

for questions: