Consortium partners
Together, we advance research, development, and innovation in physical AI and its impact on humans.
Experience Lab – When People Meet Technology
ÅAU – IT + Experience Lab
Experience Lab is a multidisciplinary research, development, and innovation platform at Åbo Akademi University dedicated to advancing human–technology interaction through human-centered design. For 25 years, the lab has applied psychophysiological methods—such as eye tracking, skin conductance, and facial expression analysis—to understand how people experience and respond to digital technologies. It also works with immersive technologies, including VR and XR, to explore and shape interactive experiences.
At the core of Experience Lab’s work is the human experience of technology. By combining controlled experiments, participatory design, and real-world testing, the lab ensures that emerging technologies are meaningful, inclusive, and grounded in real human needs and behaviors.
Within the HUMAIN infrastructure, a key ambition is to extend this expertise into human–robot interaction, with a particular focus on social robots, combining multiple methods to monitor and better understand these interactions.
Through close collaboration with researchers, industry, and societal partners, Experience Lab contributes to the development of ethical, socially aware, and human-centric AI and robotic systems—where people and technology move forward together.
Sustainable business, energy, and society
University of Vaasa + VME Lab
At the University of Vaasa, HUMAIN brings together three multidisciplinary research teams whose combined expertise spans the full spectrum of human-centered AI and robotics innovation.
Our collaboration is grounded in the VME Interaction Design Environment, which focuses on inclusive and forward-thinking human–technology interaction. This is complemented by advanced capabilities in machine learning, including computer vision, 3D modelling, and artificial intelligence, as well as expertise in production technologies, such as additive manufacturing, industrial extended reality (XR), 3D printing, and robot fabrication.
Working together over several years, these teams have built strong synergies in developing ethical, human-centered approaches to AI, computer vision, XR, and robotics. By integrating design, intelligence, and production, we address all critical dimensions of sustainable and responsible technology development, from concept to real-world application.
VAMK
At Vaasa UAS Robotics and automation have been integrated into education and research since the 1980s. Vaasa UAS is conducting and enabling interdisciplinary research for the challenges of business and society. This initiative and infrastructure development is mostly involving the research area Smart Industry at Vaasa UAS. Smart Industry research area is focusing on renewing industry as an engine of sustainable, intelligent and resilient growth with number of RDI projects.
Several RDI projects and research groups at Vaasa UAS are supporting and supported by this initiative. An example of the connected projects is a national, ERDF funded innovation network formed via ‘’Cognitive Robotics Initiative for Industry 5.0’’ project. The infrastructure development will focus on advancing human–AI interaction in industrial contexts through the Technobothnia research and learning environment and the CoProtoLab innovation space. These facilities will be enhanced to support RDI and education in applied robotics, digital manufacturing, and smart industrial systems.
Novia
Novia is a High-Class and Dynamic University of Applied Sciences. Novia’s area of activity is located along the Finnish coast and the University of Applied Sciences operates in Vaasa, Turku, Raasepori, and Pietarsaari. With 5235 students, and a workforce consisting of about 400 people, Novia is the largest Swedish-speaking UAS in Finland. Novia UAS has a close working relationship with the business community and an active alumni network.
We offer high-class, work-entrenched education for our graduate students, as well as continuing education. We conduct Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) activities relevant to the outside world. We are responsive to the needs of working life and lay the foundations for the sustainable development of society.