Explore the fascinating world of tactile communication in this 25-minute AAAS Annual Meeting talk. Delve into the importance of touch in human development, from infancy to adulthood, and discover how this fundamental sense is being applied to the field of social robotics. Learn about cutting-edge research on how babies use touch to communicate and bond, and examine the potential applications of tactile interaction in creating more empathetic and responsive robotic companions. Gain insights into the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and engineering as experts discuss the challenges and opportunities in designing robots that can effectively communicate through touch.