Forskningsomrade Hallbar teknik

HUMan-AI Interaction and Innovation Nexus

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.

Project goal

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.

UN's Sustainable Development Goals

3 Good Health
4 Quality Education
7 Clean Energy
8 Decent Work
9 Industry
11 Sustainable Cities and Communities
12 Responsible Consumtion
17 Partnerships for the Goals
fredrik hansten

Fredrik Hanstén

Project Leader

Period: 1.1.2026 - 31.12.2028
Focus area: Sustainable Technology
Research theme: Intelligent Industries
Campus: Vasa
Total budget: 2 788 939 €
Novia budget: 675 478 €
Financers: Research Council of Finland,
Partners: University of Vaasa, Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK)
External coordinator: Åbo Akademi University
Web pages: Humain webpage