About

Yudai Tanaka is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Computer Science at University of Chicago advised by Prof. Pedro Lopes. His research explores computer interfaces that generate sensory feedback by interfacing directly with users? brains and nervous systems. Yudai has developed novel devices that transmit signals straight to nerves?enabling hardware-free touch interactions?and has pioneered a new class of interactive experiences that deliver sensory feedback directly to the brain. He sees these interfaces as the foundation for the next generation of interactive systems, able to augment physical abilities and accelerate skill acquisition. Yudai has published his work in top Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) venues, including ACM CHI and UIST, earning a Best Paper Award (CHI 2023), two Best Paper Honorable Mentions (CHI 2024, UIST 2024), and a Best Demo Award (CHI 2022). His research has also been featured in IEEE Spectrum and New Scientist.

Education

University of Chicago

Ph.D. , Computer Science

Class of 2026

Awards & Publications