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About

Hannes Kaufmann is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of virtual and augmented reality, haptics, and human-robot interaction, whose work has consistently pushed the boundaries of immersive technology. Best known for developing innovative systems that bring physical sensation into virtual environments, Kaufmann's most influential contribution — VRRobot (2017, 62 citations) — demonstrated how robotic arms could deliver prop-based haptic feedback within infinite virtual spaces, establishing a foundational research platform for the field. Building on this, his CoboDeck system (2023) extended haptic VR to large-scale, free-roaming environments using collaborative mobile robots, with particular promise for architectural design workflows further explored in his HeXA framework. Beyond haptics, Kaufmann has made notable strides in augmented reality navigation (DARGS), autonomous photogrammetry robotics (Photogrammabot), and BIM-integrated localization for construction environments. His work on brain-computer interfaces coupled with AR for robot control signals an ambitious expansion into neurotechnology-driven human-robot interaction. Across these diverse threads runs a common commitment to making immersive and mixed-reality systems practically useful — for architects, students, and engineers alike. With over 130 cumulative citations and contributions spanning hardware innovation, spatial computing, and motion analysis, Kaufmann represents a distinctive voice bridging robotics, extended reality, and applied human-computer interaction.