Deakin Human-Centric Technologies Lab
Advancing human-centric artificial intelligence and aligning technology with human needs
How we use technology to optimise human performance
The Deakin Human-Centric Technologies Lab is dedicated to fostering collaboration between humans and cutting-edge technologies. Our mission is to create innovative, AI-driven solutions to elevate our cognitive and physical performance and support our wellbeing. We integrate science, engineering, design and art with advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and extended reality.
Our approach leverages transdisciplinary insights and transferable knowledge, creating solutions that are versatile, impactful and designed to optimise human performance in any environment – on Earth and even in space.
Our research areas
Our interdisciplinary research investigates how cutting-edge technologies can support human capabilities in areas like human space exploration, defence, mobility and health care.
Human-centred design and immersive technologies
Through our research in this area we:
- emphasise human-centred design to creatively cater to user needs in complex environments
- advance human computer interaction for effective technology use
- develop immersive extended reality (XR) applications for training, simulation and wellbeing.
Human performance and wellbeing
Through our research in this area we:
- investigate the impacts of complex environments on human behaviour and mental health
- enhance human cognitive and physical abilities in complex environments.
Human-aligned AI
Through our research in this area we:
- create AI models that are intricately aligned with the complexities of human behaviours and cognitive processes
- develop AI solutions that enhance and augment human cognitive and physical capabilities
- focus on machine-human collaboration for enhanced safety, operational efficiency and overall synergy.
Sensory and cognitive processes
Through our research in this area we:
- examine how complex environment effects human sensory perception and cognition
- develop strategies to optimise cognitive functioning in challenging conditions
- analyse the relationship between human sensory inputs and mental performance.
Our objective is to enrich the Australian research ecosystem by improving human capabilities in complex environments through the integration of advanced technologies, including extended reality and artificial intelligence.
Senior lecturers and co-leads at Deakin Human-Centric Technologies Lab
Address challenges on Earth and beyond
As a PhD student at Deakin Human-Centric Technologies Lab you will learn alongside the sharpest minds in the fields of extended reality and applied artificial intelligence. You’ll have access to a stimulating and supportive environment and the latest in cutting-edge tech.
Our researchers
Deakin Human-Centric Technologies Lab is an interdisciplinary research group that brings together experts from various fields to drive human potential through innovative research.
Dr Kaja Antlej is a senior lecturer in industrial design, based in the School of Engineering. Her research interests intersect the fields of human space exploration, human-centred design, digital heritage and virtual museums, extended reality, 3D printing, futures thinking, isolation, wellbeing and entrepreneurship.
Dr Bahareh Nakisa is a senior lecturer in applied AI at Deakin’s School of Information Technology. Her research interests include applied artificial intelligence, deep learning, human-machine interaction and teaming, computational cognition and affective computing, working to solve real-world problems in healthcare, transportation, space and defence.
Featured projects
Our researchers work together to advance our collective knowledge and transform industries through the use of digital technologies.
Human wellbeing in space
Ensuring the mental health of astronauts during deep space missions remains a challenge. This research endeavour strives to bridge the existing gap, pioneering the integration of AI with cutting-edge virtual reality to curate a comprehensive databank of meaningful experiences tailored for astronauts and other isolated users.
Human-AI teaming
This project focuses on enhancing the capabilities of AI agents by integrating human feedback – including physiological measurements and implicit instructions – in a deep reinforcement learning framework. These agents are designed to learn from human interactions in a nuanced and context-aware manner, allowing for unprecedented collaboration in high-pressure, real-world settings including manufacturing, military operations and emergency response.
Our facilities
Deakin's Virtual reality lab is a cutting-edge teaching and research facility located at our Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus that is purpose-built for developing virtual reality and augmented reality solutions.
Trust in the era of Artificial General Intelligence
As we enter a new era where artificial intelligence is becoming more integrated into our everyday lives, we ask: do we trust AI as we would trust a friend?
Our partnerships
We work across national and international boundaries. Some of our research collaborators are based at:
- RMIT University
- AGH University of Science and Technology
- Monash University
- Coventry University
- Analog Astronaut Training Center
- Chitkara University
- University of Ljubljana
- University of Primorska
- Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (JAIST)
- Soka University
- Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! If you’re interested in our research, partnering with us or want to stay updated on the latest developments, email our team.
Email Dr Kaja Antlej
+61 3 5247 9546
Email Dr Bahareh Nakisa
+61 3 5227 3816
