How we work
Short overview about HUMAIN
HUMAIN – Human–AI Interaction and Innovation Nexus is a research infrastructure initiative by Åbo Akademi University, University of Vaasa, Novia University of Applied Sciences, and Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.
About the Project
HUMAIN focuses on how people and intelligent systems, including robots and AI, can interact and co-work in meaningful, safe, and sustainable ways. The infrastructure will include advanced tools such as humanoid robots, extended reality (XR), and sensors that measure human responses. These will be used to explore how AI can support people in healthcare, research, industry, education, and everyday life.
HUMAIN is built in close collaboration with companies, public organisations, and international partners. It will help businesses test new technologies, improve production, and train staff, while providing valuable space for intensive research on urgent societal topics. It also offers students and professionals hands-on learning with future technologies. By bringing together research, innovation, and real-world needs, HUMAIN supports the development of responsible, human-centered AI and robotics, benefiting society and the environment.
Focus
HUMAIN is dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence, physical AI (robotics), and autonomous systems through a human‑centred lens. We prioritise the needs, experiences, and values of people in shaping how intelligent technologies are designed, developed, and deployed.
With sustainable development and ethical awareness at the heart of our research and development, we investigate the realities and potentialities of physical AI systems that operate autonomously and responsibility in real‑world environments. Through virtual and cyber‑physical training environments, we accelerate innovation cycles while enhancing safety, reliability, and sustainability.
HUMAIN lowers barriers to innovation by providing accessible pathways for SMEs and startups to engage with advanced robotics and AI development. Situated in the Vaasa, Ostrobothnia region, we build on a strong ecosystem of expertise in AI, robotics, and energy technology to support impactful, future-oriented solutions.
Our main focus
Inclusive Learning
Creating a shared platform and environment where students, companies and public-sector actors can co-create and investigate using AI, robotics, XR, and digital tools.
New Business Opportunities & Smart Processes
Helping companies of all sizes adopt smart, data-driven and automated processes, where humans are in charge and sustainable development is instilled.
Attraction of New R&D Funding
Facilitating joint initiatives between higher-education institutions, companies and third-sector organizations.
Support for the Transition to Industry 5.0
Contributing to the development of a resilient, sustainable, human-centric industrial ecosystem.
Our shared vision
is to shape a future where physical AI systems enhance human well-being, operate ethically and sustainably, and seamlessly integrate into society as trusted collaborators and seemless supporters.
Our shared mission
HUMAIN’s mission is to create a collaborative platform where students, companies, and public-sector actors co‑create human‑centered AI and robotics solutions. Through extended reality (XR), digital tools, and rapid prototyping, we enable experimentation, learning, and innovation in safe, scalable environments.
We support the development of smart, data‑driven, and sustainable processes by making advanced technologies—such as robotics, AI, 3D printing, and immersive simulation—accessible to SMEs and industry. By fostering flexible innovation, remote collaboration, and digital competence, HUMAIN lowers barriers to adoption and accelerates responsible technological progress.
Anchored in the Ostrobothnia innovation ecosystem and aligned with regional, national, and EU strategies, HUMAIN advances the transition toward a human‑centric, sustainable, and resilient Industry 5.0 future.
Consortium partners
Together, they advance research, development, and innovation in physical AI and its impact on humans.
ÅAU – Experience Lab and IT
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.
UVA – 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.
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.
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 https://www.vamk.fi/en/rdiplatforms ). 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 projectsExternal website.
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’’ projectExternal website. The infrastructure development will focus on advancing human–AI interaction in industrial contexts through the Technobothnia researchExternal website 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.