Research Focus Areas

Foundations of Human–Technology Interaction

Development of theories to explain, predict, and modify human–technology interaction and its contextual conditions, including:

• Development of theories, methods, and use cases for cognitive, motivational, learning-related, performance-related, communicative, societal, political, and economic aspects of human–technology interaction
• Experimental investigation of factors influencing human–technology interaction
• Examination of the conditions for implementing human–technology systems

Description of the interplay between human–technology interaction and human–human interaction at the individual, group, and societal levels, including:

• Technology reflection and history of technology
• Investigation of new media, digital practices, and methods
• Technology assessment and impact analyses related to human–technology interaction
• Exploration of ethical and societal implications of different human–technology systems

Methods, Technologies, and Systems for Human–Technology Interaction

Development of methods, technologies, and systems to predict, simulate, model, and improve human–technology interaction, including:

• Prediction, modeling, and simulation of human–technology interaction, including cognitive modeling, AI, and machine learning methods
• Assistive systems for product and production system development, as well as for controlling and maintaining technical systems
• Model-based data and structural analysis
• Coupling of real and virtual environments
• Technologies, components, and systems for the (physical) integration of humans and technology to maintain, restore, or enhance work and performance capabilities

Theory–Practice Transfer

Integration of basic and applied research on human–technology systems, including:

• Augmentation of human–technology systems through methods from Human–Computer Interaction (HCI), Human–Robot Interaction (HRI), Human–Machine Interaction (HMI), virtual reality, and AI as bridging technologies between humans and technology, particularly in line with Germany’s High-Tech Strategy
• Sensing and cognition in humans and machines
• Knowledge-based and robot-assisted process automation through research and application of AI-supported CAM and process design systems for manufacturing processes, materials, and production technologies, creating functional physical and informational interfaces between humans and technology

Innovation hub: a transfer and support center to help organizations respond dynamically to digital challenges in human–technology interaction and improve competitiveness

• Advisory services on the selection, implementation, and improvement of human–technology systems in organizations
• Promotion of employee well-being through human–technology systems and practical transfer of research findings to organizations