Characterizing Gingival Electrical Stimulation Toward Intraoral Texture Display
Woosang Kim, Sho Sakurai, Koichi Hirota, and Takuya Nojima
IEEE VR 2026 · Poster
Haptics · Human–Computer Interaction
Woosang Kim
I study how electrical stimulation can shape touch and texture perception inside the mouth.
My research interests span intraoral haptics, electrotactile stimulation, food texture perception, and interactive interfaces. I received my Master of Engineering from the Department of Informatics at the University of Electro-Communications (UEC) in March 2026, advised by Takuya Nojima.
I am currently a Research and Development Engineer at NTT DOCOMO. Previously, I was a summer research intern with Pedro Lopes at the University of Chicago.
Publications & Presentations
Conference poster
Submitted manuscript
An Exploratory Study of Chewing-Synchronized Intraoral Electrotactile Stimulation for Modulating Texture-Related Perception During Mastication
Woosang Kim, Sho Sakurai, Koichi Hirota, and Takuya Nojima
Submitted to IEEE Transactions on Haptics, 2026 Submitted
Domestic conference presentations
Investigation of Oral Sensory Information for Selective Stimulation of Periodontal Ligament Receptors
Woosang Kim, Shiori Iwahama, Sho Sakurai, Koichi Hirota, and Takuya Nojima
The Virtual Reality Society of Japan · Tokyo, Japan · 2023
Investigation of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation to Periodontal Ligament Receptors and the Oral Sensory Information Generated
Woosang Kim, Sho Sakurai, Koichi Hirota, and Takuya Nojima
The Virtual Reality Society of Japan, SIG Haptics · Miyagi, Japan · 2023
Research Experience
Nojima Laboratory, UEC
Apr 2024 – Mar 2026
Graduate Researcher · Advisor: Takuya Nojima
Investigated intraoral electrical stimulation and texture-related perception during mastication. This research includes the IEEE VR 2026 poster and the manuscript submitted to IEEE Transactions on Haptics.
Explore the research →University of Chicago
Jul – Aug 2024
Summer Research Intern · Advisor: Pedro Lopes
Developed and tested electrical stimulation waveforms to explore sensory experiences related to the trigeminal nerve in the Human Computer Integration Lab.
Nojima Laboratory, UEC
Apr 2023 – Mar 2024
Undergraduate Researcher · Advisor: Takuya Nojima
Investigated stimulation methods targeting periodontal ligament receptors. Designed electrode placement with Fusion 360 and 3D printing, developed prototypes using Arduino and Processing, and led experiment design and execution.
Industry experience
NTT DOCOMO
Apr 2026 – Present
Research and Development Engineer · Tokyo, Japan
Selected Projects
Mask Interface
A mouth-movement interface for game interaction, exhibited at IVRC and U☆PoC in 2023.
View project →
Branco
A brand concept exploring happiness through interviews and collaborative idea development.
View project →
GakkiMakura
A musical pillow combining touch and pressure input, sound, and vibration feedback.
View project →Activities & Honors
Community & teaching
UT-Virtual · Member, Sep 2020 – Mar 2022
Organized an online exchange with the University of Maryland XR Club and developed VR projects for exhibition. Activity details
UEC First-year Student Support · Learning Assistant, Apr 2021 – Mar 2022
Helped first-year students adjust to university life and coursework during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Honors
- Aflac Inc. Award
UEC Idea Demonstration Contest, 2023 - Hirose Scholarship Foundation
Apr 2023 – Mar 2024 - Hasegawa International Scholarship Foundation
Apr 2021 – Mar 2023